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Personal Navigators: 10-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – June 28, 2017

Personal Navigators, and other handouts from the 10-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral . The Disney Fantasy set sail from Port Canaveral on June 28, 2017. There are additional Personal Navigators from other sailings of this same itinerary for comparison.

Day 1 – June 28, 2017 – Port Canaveral

• Personal Navigator – Day 1 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: A Fantasy Come True | Dinner Menu: Let the Magic Begin Drink of the Day: Paradise Punch Non-Alcoholic: Espresso Chiller

Day 2 – June 29, 2017 – At Sea

• Personal Navigator – Day 2 Attire: Formal | Show: Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular | Dinner Menu: Vista Drink of the Day: Bahama Mama Non-Alcoholic: Coco Bali

Day 3 – June 30, 2017 – At Sea

• Personal Navigator – Day 3 Attire: Pirate or Cruise Casual | Show: The Ricky Kalmon Hypnosis Show | Dinner Menu: Pirates Drink of the Day: Sunken Treasure Non-Alcoholic: Parrot Song

Day 4 – July 1, 2017 – Aruba

• Personal Navigator – Day 4 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: Movie – Cars 3 | Dinner Menu: World of Flavour Drink of the Day: The Royal Canadian Non-Alcoholic: Virgin Bloody Cesar

Day 5 – July 2, 2017 – Curaçao

• Personal Navigator – Day 5 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute Band | Dinner Menu: Standard Rotational Drink of the Day: Mai Tai Non-Alcoholic: Cranberry No-Jito

Day 6 – July 3, 2017 – At Sea

• Personal Navigator – Day 6 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: Disney Wishes | Dinner Menu: Standard Rotational Drink of the Day: Caribbean Dream Non-Alcoholic: Passion Cream Freeze

Day 7 – July 4, 2017 – Basseterre (St. Kitts)

• Personal Navigator – Day 7 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: Disney on Broadway: Stars Set Sail – Kissy Simmons | Dinner Menu: Standard Rotational Drink of the Day: Americalicious Non-Alcoholic: Summer Fireworks

Day 8 – July 5, 2017 – Tortola

• Personal Navigator – Day 8 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: The Magic Dave Show | Dinner Menu: Prince & Princess Dinner Drink of the Day: Planter’s Punch Non-Alcoholic: Mint Tea Punch

Day 9 – July 6, 2017 – At Sea

• Personal Navigator – Day 9 Attire: Semi-Formal | Show: Disney’s Believe | Dinner Menu: Captain’s Gala Dinner Drink of the Day: High Tide Non-Alcoholic: Bubble Gum Smoothie

Day 10 – July 7, 2017 – Castaway Cay

• Personal Navigator – Day 10 Attire: Cruise Casual | Show: An Unforgettable Journey | Dinner Menu: Sea Ya Real Soon Dinner Drink of the Day: Stingray Non-Alcoholic: Princess Delight

Buena Vista Theatre Movies

• Beauty and the Beast
• Born in China
• Disney’s Newsies the Broadway Musical
• Doctor Strange
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Thank you  Richelle O’neil  for sharing the navigators and Caleb L for his assistance with the menus.

If you have any navigators you would be willing to share, please send me an email. If you would rather upload the files you can use our upload form .

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Hi, we are embarking on the 10-day Southern Caribbean cruise in less than 3 weeks. I assume there is at least one formal night, and probably one semi-formal night. Will there be two formal nights? Thank you. ”

• Day 3, Saturday, At Sea: Formal Night and the 25th Anniversary Fireworks
• Day 6, Tuesday, At Sea: Pirate Night
• Day 9, Friday, At Sea: Semi-Formal Night 

Please know that entertainment and this schedule is subject to change, but this is what’s planned for your sailing. You can confirm the exact schedule once you flip your Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to onboard mode . Your family is welcome to dress in cruise casual for all nights, but if you wish to be in theme, I hope this schedule helps you pack if you enjoy the chance to dress up ! My family usually dresses for formal and semi-formal nights and we wear our Disney pirate themed tees and accessories for Pirate Night, a beloved Disney Cruise Line tradition . Don't forget another nicer outfit if you plan to dine at one of the adult-exclusive restaurants onboard.  You’re in for a treat with not one but TWO fireworks shows on your cruise! Yours is a Silver Anniversary at Sea sailing, celebrating 25 years of Disney Cruise Line with special entertainment, treats, onboard décor, and new merchandise to commemorate this magical occasion. Pirate Night includes a fun deck party with our favorite pals where you can dance the night away.   If you’re deep in packing mode , please know that there are laundry facilities onboard if that helps with this longer sailing. I recently planned to do laundry on our Alaskan cruise mid-week which helped us pack less basics as I could easily wash them without interrupting our fun. You’ll find washers and dryers that are activated with your Key to the World Card; on my cruise I received a notification in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App when each load was finished. My stateroom folio even showed an automatic refund for a cycle purchased that was not used! If you prefer to use the onboard laundry service, you’ll find a price list and laundry bag in your stateroom closet.   Please let us know how else we can help as you finalize the details of this special trip.   Wishing you blue skies and sunshine on this magical cruise!  Amy

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Cruise Itinerary

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Mon, Nov 25, 2024

Departs: 3:30PM

At Sea - Cruising

Tue, Nov 26, 2024

Wed, Nov 27, 2024

Tortola, BVI

Thu, Nov 28, 2024

Docked: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

St. Johns, Antigua

Fri, Nov 29, 2024

Docked: 7:00AM to 4:00PM

Bridgetown, Barbados

Sat, Nov 30, 2024

Docked: 9:30AM to 6:00PM

Roseau, Dominica

Sun, Dec 1, 2024

Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis

Mon, Dec 2, 2024

Tue, Dec 3, 2024

Wed, Dec 4, 2024

Thu, Dec 5, 2024

Arrival: 7:00AM

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10 Day Southern or Eastern Caribbean

By kruzer2012 , May 7, 2014 in Princess Cruises

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My family is wanting to plan a 10 day cruise to the Caribbean this November/December. The ship is the same (Royal) and the both begin/end in Ft. Lauderdale.

The Eastern goes to: Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts, ST Thomas, and Princess Cays

The Southern goes to: Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, Dominica, St Thomas and Princess Cays

In all of your opinion, which would be the "better" itinerary with the nicer/prettier islands? We are a laid back family, so we like beaches, history, active excursions, etc. but if you could only choose to go to one set of islands, which would it be?

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PescadoAmarillo

The Eastern one. There is quite a bit of history on Antigua, St. Kitts and Barbados, the beaches are wonderful on Antigua and Barbados, and okay on St. Kitts, St. Lucia is gorgeous.

On the Southern itinerary, you only get half days on Grenada and Bonaire.

Definitely the Eastern:D

Colo Cruiser

Yes the eastern, but heck do both b2b. :D

We did the Eastern Itinerary last month on the Emerald and have to say it was unbelievable! St.Lucia and Barbados are stunning, and the Pitons in St.Lucia are breathtaking. We took a catamaran from St.Kitts to Nevis and spent the day there, also beautiful. Antigua was nice but nothing special. The only thing left for us is the Southern itinerary since we did them all already. I'm sure whichever one you pick, you will enjoy!

Probably the eastern but I would recommend doing both B2B.

  Probably the eastern but I would recommend doing both B2B.

Warm regards,

I've been considering this cruise for next year as well. If we do it, it will definitely be the Eastern itinerary. Mostly because we haven't been to two of those island yet. But I also think the variety of islands is better. The Southern itinerary goes to both Aruba and Curacao. Both are fine islands, but are very similar, being part on the Netherlands Antillies. I just think the Eastern itinerary is more interesting.

msw.delafield

I would vote Eastern for your 10-day trip.

IMO the Eastern itinerary gives you more of a lush jungle/tropical flavor, those stops all have interesting features with plenty of history and a vast choice of excursions.

The islands along the Southern leg tend to be more arid, they too have interesting features and plenty of history but less of the tropical feel and more of a windswept sandy terrain.

We have done both and we prefer the Eastern.

We did both in separate years, the Eastern first, then the Southern the following year. We repeated the Eastern. :D ;)

We couldn't decide between the two so we booked the B2B! :D

I would go Eastern which is really a Southern type route. Great beaches and I prefer full days in port.

Seafoam Green

I think a B2B would be great, but I did Eastern first and then Southern. I mainly did Eastern first because we had the chance for the 'small ship experience' on the Pacific Princess and therefore, St Barts was included, which was a glorious treat.

The southern itinerary on the Emerald this winter was great. Dominica was beautiful, with great snorkeling in Champagne Reef and natural beauty in Trafalgar Falls with the sulphur springs - I want to return for their river to ocean kayaking. Bonaire was great - would love to spend a whole week there for the snorkeling, diving, beaches and low key atmosphere.

IMO the rest of the islands have the stereotypical Cairbbean Island 'packaging', so Southern or Eastern doesn't make a big difference.

We love the Deep Southern with stops in Aruba and Curacao. :)

Hate to go against the majority, but I love the Southern route - Favorite islands are Aruba and Dominica (although Aruba is more fun at night and Princess ships usually leave in the afternoon). Grenada was also a great beach destination for me.

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12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transportation of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000), on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego visit ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island hopping in the Caribbean.

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

The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right, a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multigenerational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 17-night Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 17 nights. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale or Miami and San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Koningsdam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.

These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Longer sailings also call on several Caribbean islands.

Who should go : Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,650 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the World Stage for evening production shows.

The larger Eurodam, Koningsdam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as popular music venues B.B. King's Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles-to-Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur , debuted in November 2023 and will transit the Panama Canal on several occasions in the next few years. The 16-night Los Angeles-to-Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transit offers luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Plan even further ahead for Grandeur's 22-night Miami-to-Los Angeles transit (Jan. 3-25, 2026) to enjoy additional Caribbean ports of call. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 9, 2026, the ship will sail a 16-night Panama Canal transit from Los Angeles to Miami with an itinerary similar to the 2025 cruises.

Who should go : This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,099 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. At the time of writing, cabins are still available for the Dec. 2, 2024, cruise or the half dozen almost identical sailings that follow through April 2025.

All sailings are aboard the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao, replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go : Celebrity Beyond and its Edge Class series sister ships appeal to millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart baby boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht or small ship, check out Windstar Cruises' seven-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary. Bookable on more than a dozen dates from November 2024 through March 2026, the itinerary is offered aboard 148-passenger Wind Star or Wind Spirit (in 2024 and 2025) and 312-passenger Star Pride (in 2026).

The ship will travel from Colon, Panama, to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa), transiting the canal. Passengers can visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go : Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambience, are interested in nature and wildlife, and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations on the sailing yachts are in snug yet well-designed cabins with windows but no balconies.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit are cozy and social four-deck ships, each featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge, and two restaurants. Star Pride is the better option for those who prefer a more spacious, suitelike cabin with a balcony and a larger bathroom.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 18-night Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles cruise

Silversea Cruises ' 18-night Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles transit aboard 596-passenger Silver Moon offers a luxurious and leisurely way to experience the Panama Canal along with top ports in four countries and 10 sea days. The itinerary includes Cartagena, Colombia (where the ship overnights); Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The sailing takes place from April 1 to 19, 2025.

Silver Moon features the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, which combines regionally inspired dining in S.A.L.T. Kitchen and cooking classes and demonstrations in S.A.L.T. Lab with culinary-inspired shore excursions.

Who should go : Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. An almost three-week itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-night Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's eight-night Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle. The ships call in Limon, Costa Rica, and George Town, Grand Cayman. Itineraries are available on a handful of dates in 2025 and 2026, and cruise fares begin at just over $1,000 per person.

With multiple pools (including the adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, the Camp Ocean kids club and a wide array of restaurants, these ships offer enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go : Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambience and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: The best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 34-night Caribbean Gems & Panama Canal cruise

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits 12 countries (St. Barts, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Curacao, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico) and offers 15 relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 34-night Caribbean Gems & Panama Canal cruise. The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles, departing in November 2025.

You'll enjoy beach time as you island-hop in the Caribbean, while calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go : Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this monthlong Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 12-night Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises offers several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries, its popular 12-night Panama Canal with Costa Rica and Caribbean cruises conveniently sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on more than 20 dates in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

What's more, you can choose between two ships: the 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess and the 3,080-guest Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on several Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go : Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (versus waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options, such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 12-night South America: Peru, Colombia & Ecuador cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 12-night South America: Peru, Colombia & Ecuador cruise (Feb. 27-March 11, 2026) makes a full canal transit as it sails from Miami to Lima, Peru. The 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade will visit historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Panama City; Manta, Ecuador; and Trujillo and Lima in Peru.

Who should go : Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific coast of South America should choose this itinerary.

Norwegian Jade is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2022 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a pub-style bar and grill, an Asian restaurant, and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus six specialty dining venues (including a steakhouse and venues showcasing French, Italian and Japanese cuisines) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles cruise

Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-passenger Vista — which debuted in May 2023 as the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back, 16-night Miami-to-Los Angeles (Jan. 8-24, 2025) and Los Angeles-to-Miami (Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2025) itineraries.

Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go : Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium vessel. It's ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication.

Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant cabin decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, a mix of grand and intimate spaces, and a wide array of dining options. (Two new and noteworthy venues on Vista include Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner.) A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 26-night Southampton-to-San Francisco cruise

Cunard's brand-new 2,996-passenger ship Queen Anne, which debuted in May 2024, will make both its first transatlantic crossing and its first Panama Canal transit on this historic 26-night Southampton-to-San Francisco sailing (Jan. 9-Feb. 4, 2025). The ship will first cross the Atlantic and then overnight in New York before calling on Aruba, transiting the canal and visiting Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It will conclude with an overnight in San Francisco.

The winter transatlantic crossing might not be right for everyone, but the second half of this voyage explores warm-weather destinations with plenty of relaxing sea days for sunning, reading, taking dance lessons and enjoying expert lectures.

Who should go : British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. This particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit several cruise regions in one sailing.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024-June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries while guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities, and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

If this longer voyage is sold out, consider the 138-day Viking World Cruise (departing Dec. 19, 2025), also on Viking Sky. This sailing, which travels from Fort Lauderdale to London (Greenwich), visits 28 countries and transits the Panama Canal on the eighth day.

Who should go : With cruise fares that start at $79,995 and $59,995 per person, respectively, these extended adventures at sea require a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambience (there's no casino, and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Five essential things to know before you board a Disney cruise ship

E ver since the giant Disney corporation brought its enchanting brand of magic to the high seas aboard Disney Cruise Line (DCL) in 1998, with Captain Mickey Mouse at the helm, it’s been plain sailing. 

The Disney fleet has since grown to five mid-size ships (with more to come) which resemble floating versions of the entertainment giant’s famous theme parks, fun-packed with full-on entertainment programmes.

Elegant décor and classical styling brings an upscale feel that gives a nod to the golden age of sea travel, building on Disney’s appeal which extends beyond youngsters, who make up its natural audience, to grown-ups who can enjoy the surprisingly-extensive child-free areas on each ship. On-board attractions – water-coaster rides, nightly Disney-themed musicals, artwork that bursts into life and a real-time talking turtle – exemplify the innovative twists this legendary brand is renowned for.

Such frills translate into cruises which are generally higher priced than other family-friendly lines, but such is the cost of tapping into a world where onboard experiences are sprinkled with fairy dust.

1. Where does Disney cruise?

The line’s mainstays are the Caribbean and the Bahamas, which can be twinned with stays at Florida’s Walt Disney World. These particular cruises invariably include calls to the line’s  private island Castaway Cay where Mickey and pals don their beach shorts to spread the fun feel ashore with boat rides, barbecues, beach sports and snorkelling.

This summer marked the opening of its second Bahamian retreat, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The Mediterranean and Northern Europe are other key areas for summer cruising with “Frozen”-style voyages to the Norwegian fjords, Scandinavia and around the UK.

Disney Dream has been based at Southampton this summer and will be replaced by Disney Fantasy next year for sailings from three nights upwards to Channel ports, around the UK, Norway, Scandinavia, France and Spain.

There are also cruises to Alaska from Vancouver and to America’s West Coast, Mexico , and the South Pacific.

This winter will be the line’s second season in Australia and New Zealand, while Disney Adventure will be based in Singapore for at least five years from 2025 for voyages around south-east Asia. There are also plans for a Disney ship to homeport in Japan from 2029.

2. Who does it appeal to?

It could be argued that Disney is the ultimate family cruise line, standing out as truly family-centric rather than family-friendly for putting youngsters and their parents at the heart of everything it does.

The line takes infants from six months upwards, catered for with nurseries and play areas. Children’s facilities are varied and numerous, with imaginative kids’ clubs and cool teen hangouts, along with gameshows and competitions aimed at the entire family. On deck are waterslides and giant poolside screens showing Disney movies.

Disney adds its inimitable feel to sailings in a way that no other line does, with personal touches when guests step aboard and are publicly announced and greeted by an applauding guard of honour made up of crew or “cast members”.

One of the biggest USPs and causes of excitement is the appearance of Disney characters around the ship, while regular character meet and greet sessions are another guaranteed crowd-puller.

Such is Disney’s appeal that it also attracts couples and friends, who enjoy the overall attractions of the ships, but can retreat to the sophisticated adult-only bars, restaurants, pool and spa areas.

3. The Disney Cruise Line fleet

Disney magic  (2,713 passengers).

DCL’s first ship set the scene with its smart black hull, red funnels and Art Deco interiors, albeit with nautical twists and hints of Captain Mickey incorporated into designs. It also pioneered Disney’s family-friendly cabin staple of split ensuites with a bath/shower room and separate loo. Highlights include the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide and Twist ‘n’ Spout slide, AquaLab water play area and family pool.

Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean

Disney Wonder (2,713 passengers)

Having launched in 1999, this ship is virtually identical to its older sister and has also been revamped with Art Nouveau interiors. The three main restaurants are Animator’s Palate, Triton’s from the Little Mermaid, and Tiana’s Place inspired by The Princess and the Frog. The French Quarter Lounge carries a New Orleans vibe. There is a Twist ‘n’ Spout waterslide, there is no AquaDunk.

Sails to: Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific

Disney Dream (4,000 passengers)

Launched in 2011, this ship came with new attractions including AquaDuck, a water-coaster that snakes around the top deck, while Animator’s Palate is even more magical with Crush, an animated turtle who converses with diners. Inside cabins have “virtual portholes” showing real-time footage from outside, spiced up with appearances of Disney characters. There’s adult-only French gourmet restaurant Remy, a fancy champagne bar called Pink and the Skyline bar with a changing cityscape backdrop. 

Sails to: Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords

Disney Fantasy (4,000 passengers)

Virtually identical to Disney Dream, this ship was launched in 2012. The main difference is the décor which is more Art Nouveau rather than Disney Dream’s Art Deco styling. Others include a different themed water play area and a different show in Animator’s Palate where, instead of Crush the turtle, diners can design their own animated characters that come to life on the screens. 

Sails to: Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe

Disney Wish (4,000 passengers)

Launched in 2022, it ushered in more modern styling and was the first Disney ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). New features included the AquaMouse water-coaster ride and interactive family experience Disney Uncharted Adventure. New dining options include Arendelle, a Frozen-themed “dining adventure”, a Marvel cinematic dining experience and 1923 (the year Walt Disney Studios was founded) evoking the glamour of Old Hollywood.

Disney Treasure (4,000 passengers)

Due to launch in December 2024, this ship is most similar to Disney Wish, but will be inspired by Disney stories such as Aladdin, Coco and Zootopia, with one of the three main restaurants, Plaza de Coco, a theatrical dining experience based on the film. The AquaMouse water-coaster ride comes with a new storyline, while the adult-only Periscope Pub takes its inspiration from the Disney film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Sails to: Caribbean, Bahamas

Disney Adventure (6,700 passengers) and Disney Destiny (capacity not yet announced)

Both ships are due to join the Disney fleet in 2025, with Disney Adventure based in Singapore for five years. A third new ship has been slated to join the fleet from 2029, based in Japan year-round.

Sails to: Asia (Disney Adventure). Disney Destiny destinations have not yet been announced

4. Access for guests with disabilities

Disney ships offer specially-adapted accessible staterooms, including ones on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure that have built-in communication features for guests with hearing disabilities. Most guest areas are accessible for wheelchair users and pool lifts can be arranged in advance.

5. Loyalty programme

The Castaway Club has four tiers, based on the number of sailings taken. Benefits include advance booking benefits, discounts and a complimentary dinner.

This piece was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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The World’s Newest Cruise Ship Is Now Sailing From Florida

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas has arrived in Port Canaveral.

• Food and Drink
• Amenities and Entertainment
• Suites and Cabins
• Itinerary and How to Book

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean

The “world’s biggest weekend” just arrived in Port Canaveral, an hour outside of Orlando—and by the time you’re done with a mini-vacation onboard Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Utopia of the Seas , you won’t even know what day of the week it is. 

Over the course of just three nights in mid-July, I almost lost track myself, because this floating hotel packs an incredible amount of fun into a few short days. And that’s the brand’s goal: Utopia will only be doing short three- and four-night cruises, providing a long-weekend-length solution to travelers looking for a quick getaway.

Much like the new Icon of the Seas that I sailed on earlier this year, which is the world’s largest cruise ship, Utopia subscribes to the bigger-is-better theory—and embracing the excess is what makes these mega-ships a vacation to remember.  

New Food and Drink Venues on Utopia

As the world’s second-largest cruise ship (at double occupancy, it holds 5,668 guests, which is actually a few more than Icon), Utopia has plenty of room onboard for both long-time favorite venues and new restaurant and bar concepts—of which there are more than 40!

Royal Railway

The most sought-after dinner reservation is at the new immersive Royal Railway experience, and I was able to snag one on my last night onboard. After stepping onto the old-timey train station platform, I was greeted with a welcome drink in a glass flask. The conductor let us know when it was time to board the train, and thus began our seated four-course journey of upscale Southwestern and American dishes (I had the bread basket, empanadas, braised short rib, and a decadently chocolate dessert—they were all quite tasty). All the while, digital scenes of the American Frontier move along the train “windows” along a cross-country trek as various costumed characters act out an elaborate and interactive sheriff-catching-the-bandits sketch. The family-friendly entertainment is why you book this dinner.

The Pesky Parrot

The Pesky Parrot is a new bar located in the Royal Promenade with laid-back tiki bar vibes. Think: fruit-based cocktails made with rum, tequila, and gin, and frozen drinks that lull you right into a Caribbean state of mind. Between rounds, have a chat with the animatronic parrot perched in its bird cage. 

Izumi in the Park (located in the al fresco Central Park neighborhood) serves up made-to-order sushi. Order your selection of fresh nigiri and sashimi at the window and it’ll arrive packed up in a portable box which you can eat onsite or take with you. 

Jill Schildhouse

The Spare Tire

The Spare Tire is a poolside food truck with included grab-and-go options (like a smoked pulled port sandwich and a cheeseburger flatbread), perfect for filling your belly without having to worry about drying off or covering up your swimwear. There’s also a rotating selection of desserts for a sweet treat.

The Mason Jar

Though not new, Utopia also features The Mason Jar, which is only found on one other Royal Caribbean ship (Wonder of the Seas). This is where you’ll find the Southern cuisine you crave, with delectable takes on Lowcountry classics, Bayou staples, and delicious barbecue. Expect buttermilk-brined Gran’s Fried Chicken, a rich Lobster n’ Crawfish Gumbo, and Crab Beignets served with creamy lump crab dip. And at night, stop by for live country music (the trio was so energetic, that it was standing-room-only when I arrived around 10:30 p.m.). 

Over-the-Top Amenities and Entertainment

There’s plenty to do onboard besides eat and drink, of course—life onboard Utopia is a flurry of activity nearly 24/7. I spent some downtime reclining in the low loungers in the shallow part of one of the swimming pools, half-reading my Kindle while watching the happenings on the pool deck out of the corner of my eye. 

There are five pools in total, eight hot tubs, three water slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, sports court, arcade, mini golf course, and Playscape for kids with a ninja course, rock climbing walls, and dry slides. Plus, there are two casinos onboard, and the longest dry slide at sea—called The Ultimate Abyss—starts 150 feet above sea level and takes 19 seconds to complete. There are transparent racing windows, should you choose to face off with a friend, and 300 LED lights to illuminate your descent. 

Royal Caribbean is known for its breadth of evening entertainment, and Utopia continues that legacy. I thoroughly enjoyed the original production All In! in the Royal Theater, which is a celebration of the history of music from Studio 54 to Burning Man. The costumes, song selections and choreography were a blast, the singers and dancers immensely talented (truly some of the strongest voices I’ve heard at sea), and the technology that incorporated drones, lasers, and projection mapping was mesmerizing. 

I also loved the Aqua80too show in the AquaTheater, a live performance of world-class acrobats, extreme sports athletes, and divers set to all my favorite 80s music—it was like stepping back into my childhood, and thankfully everyone else in the audience was also singing and dancing along. I missed the Youtopia ice show, but will definitely check it out the next time I’m on board. 

Finally, there’s a nonstop itinerary of entertainment that changes daily, from sailaway parties to silent discos to line dance classes—honestly, the party never stops on Utopia and you’ll never wonder how to pass the time. 

Sweet Suites and Cabins

I booked a balcony cabin and found it to be quite comfortable, with a truly remarkable amount of storage (especially considering the longest sailing will only be four nights!), plenty of outlets and USB ports, and great seating (including a desk chair and sofa). 

That cabin perfectly met my needs, but Utopia offers more than 20 room types and some seriously impressive suites and lofts if you have the budget to treat yourself. One standout I toured included the new Solarium Suites, which are located high up on the front of the ship and feature 280-degree panoramic views that open up to the ocean breeze. 

Another was the Royal Loft Suite, a 2,605 square-foot dream suite that sleeps up to six and has an enormous private balcony with a whirlpool, TV, and minibar. The primary bathroom boasts a rainfall shower head and jacuzzi tub, and there’s even a piano in the living room. 

Finally, the Ultimate Family Suite has three bedrooms to hold up to 10 guests and tons of upgrades—like an in-suite movie theatre and karaoke station, a corner balcony decked out with table tennis, and a private whirlpool, and a two-story slide.

Utopia’s Itinerary and How To Book

All Utopia of the Seas cruises begin and end at Port Canaveral in Florida (Orlando is the closest airport) and there are several three-night and four-night itineraries to choose from. The sailing I went on had one sea day and went to Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the cruise line’s private island—here you’ll find the tallest waterslide in North America (I took the plunge down Daredevil’s Peak on another trip in January and that’s a thrill I’ll never forget!), pools and lagoons, beautiful beaches, and my very favorite spot, the new adults-only Hideaway Beach. The other three-night sailing skips the sea day and also stops in Nassau, Bahamas. 

One of the four-day sailings hits Nassau, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, and includes one sea day, while the other has two sea days and visits Cozumel. If your goal is to spend as much time on board as possible so that you can fully experience everything Utopia has to offer, I’d suggest the four-night Western Caribbean cruise with the two sea days. And if you love the idea of spending a full day in a fabulous beach club where all your food is included, be sure to choose an itinerary that goes to Perfect Day—I’ve been there three times and it quite literally lives up to its name each visit.

Bookings start at $585 per person (three nights) and available dates currently run through April 2026—the three-night options are the ones that take place over the weekends (Friday-Monday), whereas the four-night sailings run Monday through Friday. 

When it comes to larger-than-life ships filled with over-the-top amenities, world-class dining, and next-level entertainment, Royal Caribbean is at the top of its game—and if you love a vibrant party atmosphere where the crew makes it their business to ensure you’re having a blast around the clock, then this ship will truly be your very own Utopia. 

Since the sailings are short, a cruise on Utopia could be an especially great add-on to a few days at in Orlando if you’d like to lengthen your vacation. Another option for a longer getaway is to consider booking two back-to-back Utopia cruises to ensure you have enough time to see and do it all.

My best advice is to plan a loose list of all the things you really want to prioritize, from restaurants and bars (it would take more than a full week to visit all 40!) to shows (some tickets need to be reserved in advance through the app) and activities. You simply won’t be able to do everything , and living a FOMO life onboard can get quite exhausting—it’ll be up to you to carve out a little downtime of your own, so that you don’t end up needing a vacation after this epic weekend vacation.  

Related Articles

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas gets $100 million overhaul

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is slated for a $100 million dry dock to add restaurants, new panoramic suites, and more.

Allure of the Seas 2025 renovation

Royal Caribbean cruise line announced a $100 million+ renovation of the Allure of the Seas ship. Additions to Allure of the Seas will include:

• Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar
• The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar
• Ultimate Panoramic Suites perched above the ship’s bridge with 200-degree ocean views
• an Apollo-era, lunar-themed escape room

The refurbishment will be complete in time for Allure of the Seas’ summer 2025 European season. Allure of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships that debuted in 2010 and was christened by Princess Fiona from the “Shrek” movies.

Following its dry dock, Allure of the Seas will offer over 35 dining options, resort-style pools, water slides, and more, as it prepares for a season of seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises departing from Barcelona, Spain and Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy from April to October 2025.

Updated pools, activities

Up on the top deck, Allure of the Seas will have a refreshed pool area with a wide variety of seating and shade including casitas, in-pool loungers, daybeds, and more. The Solarium will offer a quiet, adults-only area with Samba Grill and bars. Those looking for thrills should head to The Perfect Storm, a trio of racing water slides including the Cyclone and Typhoon racing slides along with the SuperCell champagne bowl. Splashaway Bay will be designed for younger kids with splash grounds, water cannons, fountains, dump buckets, and more. Food and beverage options will include The Lime & Coconut poolside bar (two locations) and El Loco Fresh eatery featuring tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

Entertainment options on Allure of the Seas include Royal Caribbean’s signature Ultimate Abyss 10-story dry slide, FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag, rock climbing, and the Royal Escape Room. Allure’s new escape room debuting in 2025 is “Apollo 18: Lunar Landing,” set in 1973, which pits groups in the middle of a NASA-like command center as they attempt to solve puzzles to land Apollo 18 on the moon.

New tiki bar, southern restaurant on Allure of the Seas

After the successful debut on Utopia of the Seas cruise ship, Pesky Parrot will make its way to Allure of the Seas. The Caribbean tiki bar offers fruity cocktails made with rum, tequila, and gin, frozen drinks, and more. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is an all-ages spot with dozens of TVs playing live sports as well as arcade games, bar fare, and beer. The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar comes over from Wonder and Utopia of the Seas and will serve Southern comfort food alongside live country music.

After a summer of European cruises, Allure of the Seas will head to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for a series of six- to eight-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas, opening in late 2025.

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10-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

What's Included in the Price of a Disney Cruise

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Be a part of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort
• Take an out-of-this-world tour of Kennedy Space Center
• Window-shop and take in the scenic surf-side sights at Cocoa Beach
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Wander the picturesque grounds of Mount Healthy National Park
• Swim and interact with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery
• Soak up the sun and surf of Tortola's most popular beach, Cane Garden Bay
• Venture inside Mount Liamuiga's massive volcanic crater
• Stroll the scenic grounds of historic Romney Manor
• Scuba dive and snorkel amid Coconut Tree Reef
• Discover the past in and around Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour
• Swim, snorkel or sunbathe at Half Moon Bay
• Tour Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation for a taste of St. John's history
• Go on a walking tour of Old San Juan and San Cristobal Fort
• Set sail aboard a ferry to the Bacardi distillery
• Scuba dive to discover tropical reefs at Escambrón Marine Park
• Explore the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion
• Splash it up at Family Beach and nearby play areas
• Settle into blissful serenity at the adult-exclusive beach
• Bring the family together for swimming, snorkeling, biking, kayaking and more
• Kids can ride 2 winding waterslides and socialize inside exclusive clubs
• At a private beach, adults sip on cocktails, sunbathe and enjoy massages