disney cruise ship wish photos

First look: We got early access to Disney Cruise Line's first new ship in 10 years

As Mickey Mouse would say, "Oh boy!"

For the first time in a decade, Disney Cruise Line is debuting a new ship, and — as we saw during an exclusive sneak peek on Tuesday — it's truly spectacular.

Christened Wednesday at Port Canaveral in Florida, 2,500-passenger Disney Wish (4,000 at total occupancy) offers everything from a "Star Wars"-themed bar and a waterslide that features animation to a revamped kids club and interactive "Frozen"- and Marvel-themed restaurants.

As you can see in our first-look array of Disney Wish photos below, it's a vessel heavy on technology, as well as magic.

Scroll down for TPG's exclusive Disney Wish first look in photos. We'll be posting lots more live from the ship over the next four days as Disney holds a preview event for the media in advance of the ship's first sailings with paying passengers next month.

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

When you first board Disney Wish, you'll be welcomed by cast members (Disney's term for crew and other employees) with a booming announcement as you step into the Grand Hall. It's a sweeping three-deck Cinderella-themed atrium with a stage area, balconies and bejeweled staircases. There's also a bronze sculpture of Cinderella herself and a chandelier that was constructed to look like an upside-down version of her twirling dress.

Disney isn't just for kids. In that vein, there are plenty of bars for adults to grab a drink. But this is Disney, after all, so you should fully expect that many libations will come with a bit of fanfare -- and a price tag to match.

Perhaps the most anticipated watering hole on the vessel is the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge. The premise is that you're on a luxury ride between galaxies; every few minutes, the screen behind the bar jumps to a different location at hyperspeed.

Another great bar that's worth a visit is The Bayou. With its New Orleans vibe, it's an obvious tie-in to "The Princess and the Frog," boasting earthy tones and a ceiling overflowing with flowers. Rumor has it that you can also find beignets at this outpost.

Disney Cruise Line's Oceaneer Club is for kids aged 3 to 12. There's also the Small World Nursery for little ones aged 6 months to 3 years. Offerings include a nursery area with cribs; Mickey & Minnie Captain's Deck, a nautically themed playground; an Imagineering Lab for creative activities; Star Wars Cargo Bay, a "Star Wars"-themed play area; and other spaces that feature Princesses, Marvel superheroes and more.

Kids can reach the Oceaneer Club in one of several ways, but usually their preferred method is the slide, located in the Grand Hall. (Don't worry, parents. There are stairs for you.)

For tweens and teens, there are Edge and Vibe, where the 11-14 and 14-17 crowds can chill with video games, coffee and mocktail bars and a less organized "come and go as you please" setup. Vibe is equipped with a side room that can be separated for use by 18- to 20-year olds who are too old for the kids club but too young to hang out at adult bars.

Dining is always a production on a Disney Cruise -- and that's a good thing. Disney Wish offers three new main dining room concepts, including 1923, an ode to old Hollywood and the golden age of animation; Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, which celebrates Anna and Kristoff's upcoming nuptials; and World of Marvel, where diners find themselves and their ship shrunken by Ant-Man after a Quantum Core mishap.

Attractions and public spaces

On Disney Wish, the main pool deck features four tiered pools. There's also a splash area for kids.

Another one of Disney Wish's highlights is the AquaMouse water slide. Billed as the line's first at-sea attraction, it's a combination of watery fun and animation that both kids and adults will love.

For anyone who needs some relaxation after a day riding AquaMouse, Senses Spa offers a complete menu of spa treatments. For the first time, the space also has an outdoor area with loungers and hot tubs.

Entertainment is everywhere on Disney Wish. With that in mind, there are several theaters and lounges that house everything from major Broadway-caliber productions and game shows to trivia and movies.

For a sweet treat, including gelato, macarons and more, check out Joyful Sweets, near the pool deck.

Feeling like you need a refresh? Captain Hook now has his very own barbershop for the fellas, and women can head to the Untangled Salon to be coiffed and manicured. For kids, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the place to be. Parents, be warned: makeovers for your minis don't come cheap.

A new feature for Disney Cruise Line, the Hero Zone is a multipurpose space that serves as Disney Wish's basketball court and a venue for a new inflatable play area that's set up at select times on each sailing. It also hosts Jack Jack's Incredible Diaper Dash, where parents enter the littlest cruisers into an adorable race.

Although Disney Wish offers mainly short voyages, anyone needing to do laundry on the ship can take advantage of onboard launderettes, like this one located on Deck 8.

For more adult respite, seek out the Quiet Cove, which offers pool, hot tub, lounge and bar areas just for grownups. The super-luxe ambiance will leave you feeling refreshed for sure.

This balcony cabin sleeps two, but there are several options for families that sleep up to five, as well as connecting cabins that make it easy for larger families or groups to travel together.

Disney Wish is replete with suite options, including Concierge Suites and two-deck options like the Aurora Suite and the Tower Suite. The first has access to a dedicated Concierge Lounge, while the the last has three bedrooms and 3.5 baths and is built into the vessel's fake funnel. The Tower Suite is the most expensive accommodation on the ship, running several thousand dollars per night.

Disney Wish has taken Disney Cruise Line's Midship Detective Agency to a whole new level with Uncharted Adventure, a high-tech cell phone-based interactive game that takes participants around the ship in search of clues. It's not quite ready yet, but a demo was set up for us by a team of Imagineers during the preview sailing.

Miscellaneous

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

The Disney Wish Cruise Ship: Our Photos and an Honest Review

The Disney Wish is the fifth custom-built ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining the smaller Disney Magic (1998), Disney Wonder (1999), Disney Dream (2011), and  Disney Fantasy (2012). Maiden voyage: July 14, 2022 Size: 144,000 gross tons Length: 1,119 feet (341 m) Number of decks: 15 Number of cabins: 1,254 Number of cabins with Verandas: 877 Number of connecting doors to double cabin space: 451 Inside cabins: 121 Number of passengers at capacity: 4,000 Number of crew: 1,555 Year built: 2022

When you board the ship, a crew member will announce you by name to everyone in the Grand Hall, which is at the heart of the ship. That charming welcome is extended on all the Disney ships, but the Wish is the first to add a little performance balcony overlooking it all and a stage that can be used for various character appearances and diversions over the course of the cruise.

Most Disney cruises go to warm climates, so of course everyone wants to know what the pool decks look like. This is the main one on the Wish : Scattered across tiers on several levels, you'll find six pools—all of them small, all of them shallow (usually 2 feet deep), and each equipped with a lifeguard despite the pools' teeny sizes. (The generous supply of lifeguards was a running gag in our group: "Last night at dinner, the waiter poured me a cup of water and a lifeguard showed up!") Skirting the high levels of the decks is AquaMouse , a two-rider raft flume that goes uphill and downhill and passes through a clear portion of tube that ventures briefly over the ocean. The company is marketing the ride as the "first Disney attraction at sea," but really, it's pretty much like AquaDuck, which already exists on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The difference is that AquaMouse has   some added cartoon segments in the lift hill tunnel of the ride. It's easygoing fun and not too scary, but it's still AquaDuck plus screens.  Slide-a-saurus Rex , visible in yellow, is a basic helix-shaped slide. Not pictured, and located on the other side of that funnel, is the  Toy Story Splash Zone , which is the toddler area. Built under a ledge to shelter young skin from strong sunlight, the zone features gently moving, bubbling, and spraying water, all themed after the film franchise.

At night, the main pools can be covered and turned into cinemas or performance zones, such as for the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party , during which a band of melodious pirates plays '80s hits (somehow, the mash-up works) and host a brief fireworks show over the sea.

Some of the most hyped elements of the Disney Wish are its restaurants. This one has an awkward name that most passengers forgo in favor of calling it "the Avengers restaurant." Dinner is interspersed with video of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly delivering gentle, Burns and Allen–style banter as Ant-Man and the Wasp.

There's a plot involving your dinner and the cruise ship itself. Kids are encouraged to help save everyone from a supervillain by pressing a button on their dinner table "Quantum Core" centerpieces—the least stressful way to vanquish a villain, really.  The food you're served doesn't play with Ant-Man 's size-shifting theme in the way that Disney California Adventure's Pym Test Kitchen does, which is a missed opportunity. But the Avengers restaurant still delivers a pleasant dinner, even if most of the innovation lies in watching screens. My 13-year-old nephew, who I brought with me on my cruise, said this was one of his top three experiences on the Disney Wish . He loved the interactivity with the Quantum Core. He even ordered a kiddle mocktail in a light-up version of the Quantum Core (for an added fee). This is only one of the speciality restaurants you'll go to over the course of your cruise. A key feature of Disney Cruise Line is that your party is scheduled to eat at all the big themed restaurants over the course of a vacation—there are no surcharges for the privilege, and you're accompanied by the same waitstaff so kids and crew can get to know each other over time.

The Arendelle restaurant is closer to a traditional dinner theatre. Positioned on a low deck at the back of the ship, it's a dining hall with a central platform stage. Here the main characters from the Frozen franchise gather to celebrate Anna and Kristoff's wedding and sing a few songs. Olaf doesn't get to sing "In Summer" himself, but he does make an appearance in another way.

Olaf shows up on a dessert cart, chaperoned by Arendelle shopkeeper Oaken, to interact with guests as they dine. The other Frozen characters arrive on their own two feet, which makes Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure a lot like the character meet-and-greet meals that are popular in the Disney theme parks. (No, Disney star Jonathan Bassett, who is talking to Olaf here, is not part of the dinner show cast—he just happened to be one of the many people sailing on the Disney Wish with us.) Each specialty dining location has its own menu of specialty cocktails for adults—the Frozen Fractals concoction is bright blue and twinkles in the light when you stir. And the Arendelle dinner is distinguished by another cruise ship innovation: It's the first restaurant I know that has been configured to usher guests to exit through a souvenir shop.

After the excitement of the Avengers and Arendelle, the third major restaurant, 1923, is likely to bore small kids. Its main appeal is class—and that's for the adults. This restaurant has two halves, Walt Disney and Roy Disney, which are stylistically similar and identical of menu.  The adult beverages are less twee than at the other restaurants. This drink, the Buena Vista Boulevardier, is a blend of rye, Campari, and Lillet Rouge topped with a chocolate disk. That's a combo ($12 on our sailing) that we wouldn't have thought of ourselves, but it worked very nicely.

There are a few restaurants you have to pay extra to access. One of them is the steakhouse, Palo, which has splendid wraparound ocean views, costs $45 per person, has a dress code, and is only for diners aged 18 and older. You'll need to make reservations. One additional waiter-service restaurant is even more exclusive: Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement (dinner: an extra $125–$195 per person) is an intimate high-deck space with ocean views that's intended to woo high-spending adults with specialty ingredients and award-level preparation. Other Disney ships have Remy for their special-occasion meal services; the Wish has Enchanté. Most families won't see the inside of either.

Most mega cruise ships have a buffet where you can go without having reservations for all three meals. For the Disney Wish , that space is Marceline, wrapping around the aft section of deck 11. The setup is as regular cruisers expect: various stations serving various genres of food. The food is included in your cruise fare, sodas and juices are free, and there's a bar where you can pay for alcohol or specialty coffee.  We were surprised and pleased to find some atypical items here: Most American cruise ships don't serve congee and fried rice for breakfast (though both dishes are popular morning options in Asia), but the Disney Wish does. So if you get weary of standing in line for bacon and those ever-popular Mickey waffles, you can dip into the alternative fare. Sometimes, Marceline will close for a few hours in mid-afternoon, but you won't go hungry: Near the pools, there are stations for burgers and hot dogs, pizza, burritos and tacos, and barbecue to fill the hours between restaurant seatings.

Disney's kids' clubs truly set the cruise line apart from its competitors. Instead of installing casinos aboard ships, Disney gives all that space to children, and the kids-only areas are kitted out like no other line's.

This is the slide from the Grand Hall to the Oceaneer Club, geared toward kids aged 3 to 12.

And just take a look at some of the rooms inside. The next few photos were taken in the Oceaneer Club—no grown-ups allowed except to drop off or pick up their offspring.

Oceaneer Club has several major elements. One of them is Fairytale Hall, a hub for crafts and storytelling, which itself has three parts: Belle's Library, Anna and Elsa's Sommerhus , and Rapunzel's Art Studio (pictured). 

Another section exclusively for kids aged 3 to 12, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab lets kids approximate what it's like to be one of Disney's famous Imagineers. Youngsters get to design a roller coaster they can then ride (safely) in a small motion simulator. Sorcerer Mickey also makes character appearances here occasionally. 

Also in the no-adults-allowed club for kids aged 3 to 12, the Marvel Super Hero Academy looks cool enough when it's dormant, but at appointed times, it mounts "Avengers: Mission Training," which Disney calls "a gesture-based game where [players] put their new suits and skills to the test as they virtually battle bad guys." An appearance by Black Panther often figures into the game.

Above, here's more of that delicious Star Wars -themed area for kids.

Kids aged 11 to 14 (including those who qualify for the huge Oceaneer Club but prefer a hangout that's more intimate and ocean-facing) can visit Edge , a zone dedicated to them that's fashioned after an urban loft. There's a stylized Mickey Mouse statue here that proved popular for photos.

The club for the oldest kids is Vibe , high up on the 12th deck with great ocean views befitting kids who want to feel like they're having a cruise experience. Vibe's official age range is 14 to 17, but staff members have discretion to stretch that minimum age downward if your kid is a grown-up 13. That was the case with my nephew, who later declared Vibe his favorite space on the Disney Wish —he especially loved the coffee machine.

Hero Zone , a few steps from Vibe, is the ship's all-purpose sports center. Here, it's set for basketball below, but there are a few table games (like puck slides) on the mezzanine.

For preannounced time slots, the inflatable Incredi-Course fills the Hero Zone for obstacle challenges. (The course is packed away most of the time.)

One more kids' space before we move on to grown-up diversions: The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique presents essentially the same royal makeovers for kids as its counterparts at the Disney theme parks do. Makeovers start at around $200, and a few of the dresses offered to kids are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line. 

There's a serious salon for adults, too. That's Untangled Salon (pictured above), and, a few steps away, it has a tiny pirate-themed counterpart for men in Hook's Barbery .  And while there isn't a casino on board, there is the Senses Spa as well as a Senses Fitness center. 

There are plenty of bars on board (although some are for beer and wine only, and one caters to those seeking healthy juices and drinks), but the most ballyhooed is Hyperspace Lounge . Like the adult-only Skyline Lounge on Disney's Fantasy and Dream , the main feature is a large back wall where giant images are regularly changed.

But instead of showing world cities, as on the other ships, Hyperspace Lounge pauses to linger at computer-animated stops across a Star Wars– themed galaxy. Every so often, you hear a rattling sound, the stars streak across the screen just like when spaceships hit hyperspace in the movies, and you're delivered to a new vista for a while.

Yes, there's a little-ordered $5,000 drink that distracted much of the travel press in its coverage, but otherwise the experience for regular drinks (generally $10–$20 each) falls short. There are blue ice cubes. There's a well-used smoker gun. There are designs on foam that only show up under a UV light that your server shines before walking away again (so you'd better take a picture while the waiter is there).

But to me, Hyperspace Lounge is another missed opportunity. The décor, for example, has none of the excitement or detail of the  Star Wars : Cargo Bay kids' area we showed you earlier. In fact, although the two spaces are only a few decks apart, they look like they were designed by two disconnected teams with vastly different budgets.

The Hyperspace ceiling is mostly plain, and some of the only flourishes meant to signify galactic panache are some tanks of bubbling water. Oga's Cantina uses those at Galaxy's Edge at the Disney parks, too, but as part of an eye-pleasing riot of steampunk decoration. Hyperspace Lounge has no characters, and the drink recipes are so complex that servers have a hard time keeping up with demand.

The bar also suffers from its own promotion: It simply isn't large enough for everyone who wants to get in, so securing a time slot adds a level of red tape that frequent guests of the Disney parks will know well—you might have to drop by several times before you finally score. Most adults' drinking time will be spent in other spaces.

The Bayou (pictured above) is right outside Hyperspace Lounge's closed "airlock" door, so don't be surprised if you end up here after failing to get into Hyperspace Lounge. The Bayou lacks direct ocean views but it has musicians at night. Around the corner,  Nightingale's is an intimate ocean-facing piano bar (most likely to be open in the evening and later). The three cocktail locations form a little hub for entertainment on deck 3.

The nautical-themed Keg & Compass, on deck 5, is the ship's equivalent of a sports bar—it's where games and broadcast events are likely to be shown. There are a few beers on tap that are brewed expressly for the Disney Wish .

Triton Lounge  (pictured above), across the corridor from Keg & Compass on deck 5, has the perfect setup for comedy or cabaret, but there was none scheduled on my abbreviated preview cruise.

Luna , spanning decks 4 and 5, is a space that was created for the Wish . Luna functions as a lavish cabaret-like performance space. Disney says it will transition from family entertainment during the day to adult-oriented entertainment by night. 

Another perk of Disney Cruise Line ships: Since Disney owns the rights to a significant chunk of American popular entertainment, ships can show vacationers the same movies that are simultaneously playing in the movie theaters on land. Don't go to the movies right before boarding the Disney Wish. Save your money, because at least two current selections will be playing repeatedly, day and night, in the two classy screening rooms on deck 4.

Disney cruises are also known for their top-tier stage shows, and the biggest ones are mounted nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre (1,274 seats, with a balcony). The company manages to hire some of the best young voices in the business, and true to form, some of the singers on the Wish will give you goosebumps. Sets and costumes are also among the most impressive you'll find on the seas.

Most entertainment is geared to reinforcing the company's most popular stories and songs. On the Wish , the three main shows during the maiden voyage were new stagings of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin as well as a jukebox revue of Disney hits. The presentation is far beyond what other lines can do, and it's fun—as long as you like seeing the Disney canon again and again. Most kids do.

There's plenty of shopping, of course, across multiple stores that are priced everywhere from the high end to the really high end. There's also plenty of merch that's specific to the Disney Wish , from clothing to toys—Disney knows its fans love to collect souvenirs from across its range of businesses.  This is the largest shop, but there are several spread around the ship, from the pool deck to the entertainment zone.

There's also a sizable laundry room, and not a miserable closet like some ships give you. Someone at Disney HQ must have had a great sense of humor to give the room this name—fairy-tale princess Cinderella worked hard to meet a prince so she could get out of doing laundry. Still, it's a well-equipped facility and you can charge everything to your room card. (Pro tip: Make sure to twist the knob on the dryer to increase your dry time before pressing the start button; otherwise you may end up paying for a 1-minute cycle.)

Now for a quick look at a stateroom. You can see the shelves to the right, but there are also two closets (including a safe) behind that built-in. Make sure to specify how many people you need your room to accommodate—some units have pullout sofas, some have drop-down cots, and some don't. If your party can't fit in one cabin, you can rent adjoining ones. Beds have night-lights for individual reading plus convenient outlets (both electrical and USB) for charging things bedside. The TV has a full menu of Disney movies for free streaming, which is nice. But we sometimes had a hard time contacting our porter to make simple requests: The phone system routed all our requests to the general switchboard. On one occasion that resulted in a 20-minute hold just to ask for our room's Murphy bed to be opened.

The desk drawers contain a hair dryer, so you don't have to pack one. There's a European-style pin outlet, too, plus some more U.S./Canada-style outlets and some additional USB ports.

The shower/tub room is separate from the cubicle with the toilet (and both of them have sinks), so families can maximize their morning routines. 

Naturally, there are some very lush suite options for people with the spending cash. These rooms all come with concierges and access to private areas that people in standard cabins can't use.

The most notable of these lavish quarters is the Wish Tower Suite , which is installed in the forward funnel. It turns out the front smokestack isn't a smokestack at all and is just there for looks—or for your own private 1,966-square-foot duplex suite. No other cruise ship has a luxury suite in one of the funnels. True, the location means views of the ocean aren't as expansive as in the other types of suites, but the bragging rights are unparalleled.  The price for a typical 3-night sailing is $21,000, so just keep on wishing.

Like most modern cruise ships, the Disney Wish could use a few more quiet spaces to sit and read. There are small ship-side promenades on decks 4 and 5 that don't encircle the ship, and of course there are heaps of loungers in the sun on the top decks. The higher you go, away from the pools, the more likely you'll find a free chair.

I'm partial to these cozy porthole seats off the Grand Hall on deck 3. But when you find yourself searching the ship for a quiet place to sit, you realize that Disney Cruise Line seems to be walking away from its original mandate. When the brand emerged in the late 1990s, it intentionally focused on smaller ships with an old-world ocean liner vibe. The Disney Wish leaves that behind—it's a megaship, jangling like a jukebox, abandoning the antique dignity of bygone sea voyages.

Disney Cruise Line is already a premium-priced product, and the Wish , being its newest and hottest ship, is priced the highest. (For lower prices, choose older ships.) For October 2022 sailings, a typical price for a 3-night sailing would be $2,140 for two guests. (All cabins are priced per person, double occupancy.) But don't quote us on that, because the prices are ever-shifting depending on date and cabin category. Generally speaking, a Verandah stateroom, which has a small balcony, is $100–$200 more than an Oceanview cabin, which just has a window. There are a few inside cabins with a screen that displays what's outside the ship at any given moment, and those are about $100–$200 less than an Oceanview room. The fare includes meals and basic nonalcoholic drinks (including on Castaway Cay) as well as live entertainment, youth clubs, and access to the water slides. Special activities may be charged. Disney Wish 's inaugural season is comprised of 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau in the Bahamas and to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (pictured above). Cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, which is an hour's drive east of Orlando.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Photos & Video: New Disney Wish Cruise Ship

Ahead of Disney Cruise Line’s grand reveal of the new Disney Wish ship, which begins sailing in Summer 2022, the company has shared new concept photos and behind the scenes video of the development of the fifth ship in the fleet. We’ll share that here, along with some quick commentary.

The design of the Disney Wish centers around the motif of “enchantment.” This is the architectural and thematic foundation of the ship’s design, weaving imagination, emotion, and adventure into the ship. This fairly nebulous term provides latitude for a wide range of stories to be represented on board. Judging by the video, those will include Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. It’s presumably similar to how the motifs for nighttime spectaculars in the parks provide a loose, all-encompassing framework for a variety of intellectual properties.

“Enchantment is about unlocking the wonder in everything we do and experience,” said Laura Cabo of Walt Disney Imagineering. “For the Disney Wish, we are creating a signature design language that exudes this emotional magic like only Disney can, by infusing every inch of this enchanted ship with more Disney stories and characters than ever before. The Disney Wish will be a place where families really do get to wish upon a star.”

Per Imagineering, enchantment is an ingredient that brings the worlds of Disney films to life. Translating this concept into a design theme provides a means for infusing Disney storytelling into the cruise experience, giving the Disney Wish a completely new look and feel.

Inspired by Disney fairytales, Walt Disney Imagineering has captured what they call the “essence of enchantment” through three design lenses, using:

• Fairytale castles, emulating the classic storybook charm at the core of many enchanted tales
• Forests and animals, bringing to life fascinating natural worlds and the animals that inhabit them
• Spirit of the sea, embodying the magic and mystery of the watery world below

The Disney Wish will continue the Disney Cruise Line tradition of incorporating an elegant, classical exterior design that pays tribute to the golden age of cruising, in the emblematic colors of Mickey Mouse.

A hallmark of Disney Cruise Line is the adornment of two character art pieces on the hull of each ship. For the Disney Wish, artwork on the bow will be an intricate scrollwork pattern reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, and will feature Captain Minnie Mouse for the first time.

The stern of the Disney Wish will display a custom sculpture of Rapunzel from Tangled . Suspended by her golden tresses, this artistic princess will be “decorating” the exterior of the ship with her trusty paintbrush and the help of her chameleon pal, Pascal.

To take it one step further into enchantment, Imagineers have added curvature to the deck edge along both sides of the Disney Wish, creating a sense of motion and fluidity both inside and out.

The Grand Hall will be a bright, airy, and elegant space that welcomes guests as they first step on board. The heart of the Disney Wish, this atrium is designed with Gothic, Baroque, and French Rococo influences imbued in the columns, carvings, trimmings, and adornments.

The Grand Hall will be Disney Cruise Line’s “Castle on the Seas,” with glittering trails of pixie dust on three-story columns, leading to the shimmering chandelier above. The chandelier is inspired by Cinderella’s transformation into a princess, which Disney calls “the manifestation of wishes come true — a swirling spiral of crystal gems punctuated with light, its crown jewel a wondrous wishing star.”

At the base of a grand staircase, beneath the glow of the wishing star, will stand Cinderella. This princess’ story is the epitome of magic transforming wishes into dreams and dreams into reality, and is a pillar of the Walt Disney Company’s historic legacy.

The beautiful bronze statue of Cinderella is one of many tributes to the fairytale in the Grand Hall’s design. Others include railings that glisten, stained glass in her signature colors, rich carpeting embellished with icons from the film, plus nods to her carriage and glass slipper in the metalwork and light fixtures.

The Grand Hall will be the gateway to everything on board the Disney Wish: fairytale worlds, heroic challenges, epicurean indulgences, thrilling adventures, galactic encounters, peaceful escapes, and much more.

The Disney Wish is the first of three new Disney Cruise Line ships to be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany through 2025. All three ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas and, at approximately 144,000 gross tons, will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Here’s a behind the scenes video about designing the Dish Wish:

It’s great as a hype video, and certainly has me more excited for the Disney Wish. (Probably in large part because I’m beyond ready to cruise again, in general, honestly.)

It’s cool to see the Wish’s atrium rendered in Imagineering’s Dish, too. Behind the scenes stuff like that is always fun.

As for new details and info, there’s not a ton here, which makes sense given that the grand reveal is only a week away. I did notice there were several props from the live-action Beauty and the Beast that are also found at the new-ish Enchanted Rose Lounge in the Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World.

This makes me wonder whether Enchanted Rose is also a concept for the Wish. Even though it’s been open at Walt Disney World for over a year now, it’s even possible that Enchanted Rose was developed first for the Wish. It wouldn’t be the first time something like that has happened.

Ultimately, not a ton of commentary beyond that. Fans might poke fun at the motifs Disney likes to use for these all-encompassing projects, but that’s the nature of the beast. Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Animation, Pixar, etc. are all very disparate properties, yet they all need to be present aboard a new DCL ship. There’s simply no other option–that’s what guests expect. Also expected is that quintessential Disney storytelling, which is what leads to efforts to weave everything together like this. I’ll be very interested to see how that’s executed beyond the atrium!

Planning to set sail aboard one of the DCL ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your voyage, plus plan entertainment, activities & excursions, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! For personalized planning & recommendations, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Does this have you more excited for the Disney Wish? Looking forward to the big reveal of the ship? Do you plan on booking a cruise aboard this ship, or are you awaiting more details? Excited by the range of IPs that will be featured on the Disney Wish, or would you prefer more ‘classic Disney’ properties and characters? Do you agree or disagree with our advice and assessment? Any questions? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

If you can’t take the vaccine, then don’t. You won’t be cruising either. Ya’ll would believe aliens landed on this planet before taking a vaccine. Stop being ignorant and take the vaccine.

My family and I have been on several Disney Cruises, and they were by far our favorite cruise’s. However if we are required to get a vaccine (That I might add has no long term testing for side effects and not something I am willing to give our children that is still considered experimental) we will no longer be sailing with Disney. We also gave up our season tickets to Disney World because of the reservation system they put in place, it was a struggle to use the passes we had paid a significant amounts of money for. Looks like a beautiful ship, I hope those who sail on her have a wonderful time. .

Sooo beautiful!!! We had always planned on cruising, but we wanted to wait until our youngest was 5. We were hoping to book a cruise last year, but, you know…Covid. Now that cruise lines will most likely require vaccination to board, we may not get the chance. 🙁 I understand why they would require them, I just wish that if they’re going to go that route, they would accept proof of antibodies as well. We’re not vaccinated but we are immune to Covid, having gotten it and recovered. We should not be required to get a vaccine for something we already have the antibodies for. So little is known about how long immunity lasts (both natural & from the vaccine) that I actually think an antibody test taken within a certain time before departure makes more sense!

We would really like to sail on the wish. We have no problem with vaccines, testing, distanced characters, and masks. I don’t even mind reduced entertainment (no fireworks, sail away party etc). We do have a problem with everything on the ship requiring a reservation or virtual queue (pool deck, kids club, trivia etc.)… While they’ve had some reserved activities in the past (spa, golf, drink tastings), if you didn’t get a reservation for those those, there was plenty to do on the ship every hour of the day. Now if you don’t get a reservation I guess you are just stuck in your room reading a book–while paying disney cruise prices for the privilege.

Imagine if they had the same concept for disney parks: if every ride was like Rise if Resistance and if you aren’t lucky enough ti get a reservation you won’t be riding anything. Hated that for ROTR, and I’d hate it even more being stuck on a cruise ship with nothing to do.

I hope that is not a long term plan as we won’t be back on a disney cruise until we can be sure we’ll get to partake in at least some activities and it won’t all be booked up by the platinum and concierge cruisers, or left to a same-day “virtual queue” lottery.

Vaccines prevent transmission. Please stop those lies. I am so tired of this crap peddled by people who are outing themselves as anti vaxxers essentially even those in government who clearly want this to continue. They work like any vaccine does by preventing transmission as well as severe illness. I had it. It was mild. Swine flu on the other hand was horrendous.

Very disturbing that the UK is requiring people to be vaccinated. That won’t go over well here in the US. We’ve been on about 8 cruises with Disney and they do it right! However, if they require the vaccine, we will not be going anymore. Sad that this is what the world is coming to. What’s go for one, might not be good for another.

This looks beautiful! I’d like to remind people that the vaccine does not prevent COVID. It’s supposed to help with not getting severe symptoms or hospital stays should you get COVID. They have no proof yet that it keeps you from spreading it, should you contract it. You could have it and be either asymptotic, or presymptomatic and spreading it, even to fully vaccinated people. Severe or mild, I don’t want it!

With regard to infection, and by extension transmission, from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0329-COVID-19-Vaccines.html

I am so excited for cruising to return but very nervous we won’t ever experience it again the way it was before, with the freedom and fun it provided on board. And with allergies to the vaccine, that isn’t an option for some members of my family, so we may have to wait much longer. I have a fantasy cruise booked for next year but I’m fully expecting to have to cancel it. Regardless, the Wish looks really neat and I’m excited to see the rest of it! We are huge DCL fans!!!

I’m guessing they are starting out very conservative by requiring both vaccination and masking. They don’t want to be on the evening news as a ship with a COVID outbreak. Are they booking to full capacity?

On the subject of Disney Cruise Line – Tom, have you seen the updates to the UK Magic at Sea? They’re requiring all adults to be fullly vaccinated, but still ask all guests over age 11 wear masks and socially distance. As well as that, there’s no rotational dining – you have one dining table to yourself for the whole cruise.

I was on the fence before, but because of the UK vaccination system (12 weeks between shots, youngest adults – I’m 27 – only likely to get the first shot in July) I probably won’t be able to. But, even if I was vaccinated, no way I’m going without rotational dining. And it makes no sense to me to ask for masks and distancing when every adult has proof of vaccination. I don’t think this bodes well for the return of DCL elsewhere…

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/

Thanks for the heads up. I saw some questions/uncertainty…maybe last weekend…but missed the latest development.

I wouldn’t be doing it in those circumstances, either.

Never been on a Disney cruise but I hope next year! It looks beautiful.

More worried about noro than I about anything else on a cruise…

I’m with you Tom, I can’t wait to cruise again. After several cancellations and rebooking with DCL, I sincerely hope the CDC lifts their death grip by 2022. We gave up on cruising in 2021 so we’re all in on WDW until then.

Booking on this as soon as we can ! Looks lovely abs magical

I don’t have vaccine hesitancy.. but I do have cruise hesitancy after the last year..

That said… it looks like it will be a gorgeous ship, very tempting.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

I just got off the Disney Wish. I was prepared not to like Disney's newest cruise ship, but I loved our $5,300 3-night trip.

•  My family of four did a three-night sailing on the Disney Wish in July for $5,300.
• We've been on eight Disney cruises , and I heard a few negative reviews of the Wish before boarding.
• But I loved the new ship, especially the themed adult lounges and fun new deck layout. 

My family of four recently did a three-night sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas on Disney's newest cruise ship, the Wish . 

We've been on eight Disney Cruises as a family, and I follow several cruise blogs and podcasts, so I consider myself an expert-level Disney cruiser . Before this trip, I'd read and heard enough Wish reviews to give me the impression I wouldn't like the new ship.

Our decision to sail on the Wish was last-minute. We booked a $5,300 voyage and boarded the ship with no reservations or excursions and no plans other than to explore.

Luckily, I ended up being wrong about pretty much everything I thought I'd dislike about the ship.

I was super impressed by the new Grand Hall on the Wish.

Disney's first ship, the Magic , set sail back in 1998, so embarking on the Wish, which had its maiden voyage in July 2022, was quite the upgrade. Passengers are immersed in everything new and dazzling on the Wish as soon as they enter the Grand Hall.

The other Disney ships have a central atrium where guests embark and are welcomed aboard. But the Wish's Grand Hall is open and airy — more of a multipurpose space with a stage and balcony.

The only criticism I had was that the welcome-aboard announcement from the crew could've been better. Whereas the other ships had a gauntlet of crew members clapping and cheering, there was only one crew member on the Wish's welcoming committee and little fanfare.

You won't miss this if you've never sailed with Disney before . But if you have, you'll probably notice a difference.

Our room also felt shiny and new.

We booked an ocean-view stateroom with a veranda for our cruise on the Wish. 

There were upgraded touches in the stateroom , such as a larger TV screen and robes, compared to the older ships. 

The Wish doesn't have any midship elevators, but it didn't end up being an issue for us.

All the other Disney ships have three elevator spots, forward (front of ship), aft (back of ship), and midship (middle of ship). Despite being Disney's largest ship, the Wish has no midship elevators.

I thought this might be inconvenient, but there are 16 elevators total, eight aft and eight forward, so the lack of midship elevators didn't actually bother me. We were OK with the extra walking as we take the stairs as often as possible anyway. 

What was annoying was the sensor-button panel on the elevators. If someone got too close to the buttons, the elevator would select them, causing most elevators we rode to stop at every floor. It was like having that kid who pushes all the buttons on your elevator every trip.

We're really familiar with the layout of the other Disney ships, so this took some getting used to.

The Disney Wish is the fleet's first Triton Class ship, meaning it has a different layout from Disney's previous ships in the Magic and Dream classes. After three sailings on the Wonder, two on the Magic, and two on the Dream, we had those deck plans down pat. 

Because of this, I had to spend time discovering where things were located instead of immediately knowing my way around. But it actually ended up being part of the fun and not a negative experience. 

I'd heard complaints of a lack of adult-only entertainment, but that wasn't my experience.

All the other Disney ships have a bar-and-lounge district that's off-limits to anyone under 18 after 7 p.m. 

On the Wish, the highly themed Nightingale's, Bayou, Rose, and Star Wars Hyperspace lounges were dotted throughout the ship versus being in an adult-only section. But the fact that kids were passing through didn't bother me.

Plus, there was still the adult-only pool deck and two adult-only dining venues if you wanted to escape.

The dining rooms may have been a little more crowded, but it didn't really bother us.

The three main dining rooms on the Wish are Arendelle, Worlds of Marvel, and 1923.

Before our trip, I'd heard fellow travelers complaining of big crowds, with the tables placed uncomfortably close together. Our sailing was near capacity, and the dining rooms were indeed crowded, but that's typical of all other Disney cruises we've been on.

The tables felt closer together than they've been on other ships, but it wasn't uncomfortable and didn't hamper our dining experience .

We loved the food at the new restaurants , especially the filet at 1923, but we'd probably skip Worlds of Marvel next time. The digital show is such a huge part of dinner, and although it was cute, I wouldn't want to sit through it again.

There were fun added amenities and entertainment options on the ship.

The Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party on the deck was a great entertainment addition, and the infinity pool in the Quiet Cove area was pretty sweet, even if it was always full of people.

The kid's clubs , especially the Oceaneer Club for kids 3 through 12, were next-level fantastic. I thought the teen and tween clubs were elevated, too, but my 13-year-olds said they liked one on the Magic better. 

My family loved our trip on the Wish, and we'd definitely sail on it again.

The Wish isn't my top Disney Cruise Line pick — that's always going to be the Wonder — but I loved the ship and would book again if the itinerary and rates lined up with our travel needs .

If you're hesitant to book because of a negative review you saw online, I say go for it and try it for yourself. 

• Main content

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Disney Cruises

The New Disney Wish Will Be the Most Magical Ship at Sea — Take a Look Inside

Disney Cruise Line just unveiled details about its newest ship, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, Frozen - and Marvel-themed dining experiences, and an adults-only Star Wars lounge.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

The Disney Wish is going to be Disney Cruise Line's most magical ship yet, and we're giving you a first look at all the incredible experiences guests will find on board. Setting sail July 14, 2022, the Disney Wish is packed with firsts that Disney fans will love, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, a Frozen -themed theatrical dining experience, a Marvel dinner adventure, an Imagineering lab for kids, and an adults-only Star Wars lounge. And it doesn't stop there — the ship's staterooms (including four stunning royal suites) are absolutely dreamy, with fairy-tale touches that reflect the ship's overall motif of enchantment.

Travel + Leisure talked to Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, about the new ship's creation and design. Cabo said the cruise is a uniquely intimate experience because once guests board, they never have to leave the Disney magic — "guests get to live and dine and play with our characters."

Cabo said enchantment is a hallmark of the Disney brand, and it guides every experience and space they create for guests on board, with designs focusing on fairy-tale castles, forests and animals, and the spirit of the sea. From the moment guests walk into the castle-like Great Hall, they're entering the universe of beloved Disney stories and the world of the ports they're sailing to.

She said the ship's name — the Disney Wish — reflects all those fairy-tale characters guests will see throughout the ship, like Rapunzel and Cinderella, and the excitement that guests feel when their dreams come true through these enchanted experiences. All the Disney ships offer magical experiences and fantastic storytelling, but this new ship provided a great opportunity to tell beloved Disney stories in a new and exciting way, according to Cabo.

"With the Disney Wish, we're continuing our tradition of delivering the most magical and relaxing vacations at sea, combining legendary service and entertainment with imaginative storytelling and all the care you expect from a Disney vacation," said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, in a statement shared with T+L. "Our newest ship will celebrate everything that families love about sailing with us, from the incredible dining experiences and character interactions, to dazzling shows and the crew's thoughtful attention to detail. We can't wait to welcome our guests aboard the Disney Wish as we expand the reach of our world-class fleet."

The Disney Wish will embark on its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, and it will offer three- and four-night itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. Bookings will open to the public in less than a month on May 27, 2021.

Here are some of the incredible new experiences guests can look forward to on the Disney Cruise Line's newest ship.

All-new Dining Experiences on the Disney Wish

A trio of new family-friendly restaurants offer totally unique dining experiences. Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure will invite guests to Queen Anna and Kristoff's royal engagement party, picking up where "Frozen 2" left off. A theater-in-the-round style venue will bring the story to life with sing-a-longs, a true-to-scale Olaf puppet, and panoramic windows that will transform from ocean views to the northern lights.

Worlds of Marvel will put guests at the center of an Avengers adventure with a menu inspired by the superhero films. And 1923, a restaurant named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, will combine old Hollywood glamour with Disney animation. It will feature a California-inspired menu.

Adult guests will get to enjoy a set of exclusive dining experiences on board the Disney Wish, too, including Star Wars : Hyperspace Lounge, an elegant bar serving drinks inspired by the films. The lounge's interior is "inspired by lavish star cruisers similar to Dryden Vos's ship in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story,'" according to a press release shared with T+L. Guests will be transported to iconic locations from the Star Wars universe, with views from a virtual "window" into the action, a holotube presenting holographic models of other starships, and surround-sound audio.

Finally, three adults-only venues inspired by "Beauty and the Beast" will offer upscale dining in beautiful settings. Palo Steakhouse, inspired by Cogsworth, will offer a selection of Italian dishes and incredible steaks. Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement will be the most luxurious option on board, with a gourmet menu crafted by the three-Michelin-starred chef and touches inspired by Lumiere. The Rose, located at the entrance of these two venues, will offer a magical spot for drinks and small plates.

The First-ever Disney Attraction at Sea: AquaMouse

One of the most exciting "firsts" on board the Disney Wish is the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. AquaMouse is a family water attraction that brings Mickey shorts to life, and it will include show scenes, lighting and special effects, and more throughout its 760 feet of tubes perched above the upper decks. Guests will board two-seater vehicles and ascend into the Mickey cartoon world of a new animated short called "Scuba Scramble." They'll zip through tunnels and up and down speed blasters before reaching a loop over the edge of the ship where they'll see clear views down to the ocean.

The fun doesn't end there. The Wish will have more pools and deck space than any other Disney ship, including a Toy Story Splash Zone for children. And only adults can access the Quiet Cove, an 18+ area complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, cafe, and bar.

Enchanting Staterooms and Suites on the Disney Wish

The accommodations on board the Disney Wish will feature artwork and designs inspired by beloved fairy tales like Cinderella and include ample rooms for guests to store their luggage and relax. The ship has 1,254 staterooms, most of which will offer an ocean view, with the option to connect many rooms for larger groups traveling together. The new ship will offer more concierge staterooms than any other ship; 76 concierge staterooms and suites will have spacious accommodations inspired by "Tangled." These include one-bedroom concierge suites and the first-ever staterooms located above the bridge, which will offer incredible ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows. Four royal suites inspired by "Sleeping Beauty" will offer unbeatable space and luxury.

There are two Princess Aurora Royal Suites and two Briar Rose Suites, and each pair includes a two-story and a single-story configuration. These suites have some truly incredible features, including a private hot tub on the veranda, two master bedrooms, and more, plus, the two-story suites will have floor-to-ceiling windows, a spiral staircase, and two-deck-high stained glass. The Concierge Lounge is also getting a sizable upgrade on the new ship — it will be more than three times the size of the lounges on other Disney ships — and it will offer a full bar, light bites, a kids' area, and a private sun deck with whirlpools, a wading pool, and more.

Entertainment on the Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line ships are known for their world-class entertainment focusing on popular Disney stories, and the Disney Wish will take that to the next level with the fairy tale-inspired Grand Hall stage, celestial Luna venue, and the Hero Zone sports area. The Disney Wish will premiere two new stage shows (to be announced at a later date), and it will include an adaptation of "Disney's Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular." The ship will also have two cinemas and plenty more entertainment options on board.

Kids of all ages will love the themed spaces and fun programming available on the Disney Wish. The It's a Small World Nursery will cater to cruisers ages six months to three years, and Disney's Oceaneer Club will provide state-of-the-art areas for kids ages three to 12. These will include the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, and the new Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids can learn Disney Imagineering secrets and design coasters at the Ride Studio. Edge caters to children ages 11 to 14 with a New York City-inspired space, and Vibe, an artsy Parisian hangout, is for teens 14 to 17.

Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure who loves all things Disney. Follow her adventures on Instagram @elizabetheverywhere .

Pictures: Disney Cruise Line’s Wish first look

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Entertainment
• Restaurants, Food & Drink

More in Travel

The new issue of Explore Florida & the Caribbean takes you places

Disney World | Cirque du Soleil adds behind-the-scenes option at Disney Springs

Travel | Travel Troubleshooter: Expedia said it would refund my tickets four years ago. Help!

Pictures: 1900 Park Fare reopens at Disney’s Grand Floridian

PHOTOS: A Tour of All the Pools on the Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

Depending on how you count, Disney’s Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the Wish, has about twice as many pools as fleet’s older ships. Here’s a tour, along with the rules related swimming on the Wish. Before we get started, here’s an screenshot of Wish decks 11-15 so you can see the overview of pool locations (the light blue areas). All the pools on Decks 11 and 12 have views of the FunnelVision screen that shows Disney movies throughout the day.

There are life vests available to borrow at several locations on the pool decks.

The Toy Story Splash Zone is only water location available to guests who are not potty trained. Swim diapers are not allowed in the regular pools.

While Disney and the deck plan indicate that pools are on a particular deck, several of the pools are located in intermediate zones between decks – see the Minnie pool photos below, for example. Guests with mobility issues may have issues accessing the pools that are surrounded by stairs.

In all pool locations, you may wear googles that cover your eyes, but swim masks that cover your nose or mouth are not permitted. You may not use floats, rafts, noodles, or snorkels in the onboard pools.

Most of the pools have sturdy covers that are moved over the water in the evening. The covers may act as a stage area or guest viewing area during nighttime performances on deck.

Note: Pool hours vary. At least one pool is typically open as early as 8:30 a.m. and at least one pool is typically open until 9:00 p.m. Pools openings and closings are staggered. The netting shown on some of the pool photos below is put in place when the pool is closed to guests.

Mickey’s Pool, Deck 11

Located closest to the FunnelVision screen, Mickey’s pool is 2 feet deep throughout. It has a maximum capacity of 50 guests. There is a substantial shallow lip before the depth increases.

Minnie’s Pool, Deck 11

Minnie’s pool is located in the center of Deck 11. The water depth is 2″ throughout. This pool has a maximum capacity of 63 guests.

Daisy’s Pool, Deck 11

Daisy’s pool is 6″ deep, just enough to cool off your feet. This pool has a maximum capacity of 35 guests.

Pluto’s Pool, Deck 11

Like the Daisy pool, Pluto’s pool is 6″ deep, with a maximum capacity of 35 guests.

Trixie’s Falls, Deck 12

Trixie’s Falls is located near the Toy Story Splash Zone. The water is 6″ deep, with a maximum capacity of 68 guests. There is a small fountain in the center of the pool. The back wall has a gentle waterfall feature.

Donald’s Pool, Deck 12

Donald’s pool is 4’6″ deep with a maximum capacity of 45 guests.

Goofy’s Pool, Deck 12

Goofy’s pool is a mirror of Donald’s pool. It is also 4’6″ deep and has a maximum capacity of 45 guests.

Toy Story Splash Zone, Deck 12

The Splash Zone is for guests under the age of six. It has a maximum capacity of 20 guests. Children who are not yet potty trained MUST wear swim diapers.

There are toddler-sized slides on both ends of the Splash Zone, separated by a variety of oversized Toy Story character heads that squirt water. Additional water elements squirt from the floor.

The Wish Tower Suite is located directly above the Splash Zone.

Quiet Cove Pool, Deck 13

The Quiet Cove pool is 6″ deep and has a maximum capacity of 13 guests. The pools in the Quiet Cove area for adults 18 and up only.

Additionally there is a Quiet Cove infinity-style pool. This has a depth of 3’3″ and a maximum capacity of 26 guests.

There is also a whirlpool spa nearby that is heated to a maximum temperature of 104 degree Farenheit and has a maximum capacity of 7 guests.

Chip & Dale’s Pool, Deck 14

Chip & Dale’s pool is the ship’s designated “quiet pool.” It is removed from the main water areas, with less noise from the FunnelVision and fewer guests nearby. Guests with sensory overload issues may find this pool particularly appealing. It 2′ deep and has a maximum capacity of 60 guests.

AquaMouse, Entrance on Deck 13

The AquaMouse is a 760-foot “watercoaster” that circles the exterior of the ship. Guests ride in rafts. Each raft is capable of holding two people, though you are welcome to ride alone. Posted signage states that single riders may have to wait longer, as groups of two per raft are prioritized.

During the ride, one of two Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts (either “Scuba Scramble” or “Swiss Meltdown”) plays on a series of video screens embedded in the walls of the ride tube. Intermittent squirts of water spray on you during the ride. A portion of the ride tunnel is clear, allowing guests to see the outdoors, but most of the ride tunnel has white walls.

Guests riding alone must be at least 48″ tall. Guests must be at least 42″ tall to ride with someone else. People under age seven must be accompanied by a guest age 14 or older.

Wheelchair or EVC users must transfer to the raft to ride. A posted warning states, “For safety, you should be in good health and free from heart conditions that could be aggravated by the adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.”

Loose articles such as sunglasses, cell phones, and cameras are not permitted. You are also not allowed to wear swim gear with any exposed metal such as zippers or rivets. I didn’t see cast members particularly inspecting anyone’s clothing (though you may experience something different) – the idea is that they don’t want you wearing anything that could puncture or otherwise damage the rafts or ride tube.

Floatation devices and vests are not permitted on the AquaMouse.

You enter and exit the ride at the same location, you do not have to carry your raft.

Slide-a-Saurus Rex, Entrance on Deck 12

The Slide-a-Saurus is the bright yellow slide located under the AquaMouse. Guests must be at least 38″ tall to ride. Only one rider is allowed on the slide at a time – no lap sitting or tandem riding is permitted. Guests must slide feet first, lying on their back.

The slide access point is located near the entrance to the Splash Zone. Guests must climb a flight of stairs to get to the top of the slide. Wooden cubbies are available for guests to leave belongings such as hats or glasses, which are not permitted on the slide.

You May Also Like...

Here's detailed look a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (category 4C) located on Deck 6, midship, on the Disney Wish.…

TouringPlans is pleased to welcome guest authors Brian and Samantha, The DCLDuo. Thomas Mazloum, President of Disney Signature Experiences, which oversees…

A small bit of DCL news dropped today with dates for sailings in late April and May 2022 for the Disney…

All Disney Cruise Line ships have an onboard fitness center where guests can exercise during their sailing. The gym on the…

• SATURDAY SIX: 6 Reasons We Love Disney’s POP CENTURY Resort
• Disneyland Crowd Calendar Update For August 2022

Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

3 thoughts on “ PHOTOS: A Tour of All the Pools on the Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship ”

Are any of these pools in restricted areas, where you must be an adult or staying in a certain category of cabin? For instance, the deck plan for deck 13 forward says, “Concierge Lounge and Pool.” Did you not get to see it? Likewise, the plan for deck 13 aft says the Quiet Cove it is adults only.

You are correct that the pools in the Quiet Cove area are for guests 18 and up only. Sorry for the omission – I’ve added that information to the post.

There is a pool that is restricted to use by Concierge-Level guests. I was unable to see this area as I was not sailing Concierge.

Thanks! It’s good to know that not all pools are available for everyone on board.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Disney Wish 1923: Photos and Full Menu

by Natasha Szostak | Sep 27, 2023 | Disney Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line Food , Disney Cruise Line News , Disney Wish

Timeless sophistication and Old Hollywood glamour. We’re sharing the full Disney Wish 1923 menu and photos.

The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, having had its maiden voyage in 2022. The extraordinary ship features first-of-its-kind attractions, entertainment, and dining experiences. Among those is the Disney Wish restaurant 1923 , one of the rotational dining options you’ll find onboard the ship. Our team had the pleasure of dining in 1923 as part of a Disney Wish media preview , and we’re sharing the full menu and photos from the restaurant.

The Atmosphere of Disney Wish 1923

The Disney Wish is the first Disney Cruise Line ship to feature 1923, though the Disney Treasure will feature its own version as well. The restaurant is named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded and celebrates the golden age of animation. The menu features California cuisine, showcasing the region’s blend of Asian, European, and South American influences.

1923 is one of the rotational dining options available onboard the Disney Wish. Your options for rotational dining on the Disney Wish are:

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement (reservations required)
• Palo Steakhouse (reservations required)
• Worlds of Marvel

If you long for the days of Old Hollywood, you’ll feel right at home in the glamorous 1923. It may sound cliché to call the dining room’s decor a feast for the eyes, but in this case … it really is (especially if you’re a Disney animation historian ).

Photo by Danny Shuster

When you arrive, you’ll be seated in one of two dining rooms named after a pair of famous Disney siblings. No, not Anna and Elsa. That’s a different Disney Wish restaurant. The 1923 dining rooms are named after The Walt Disney Company founders, Walt and Roy Disney. The split dining area makes for a quieter and more intimate experience than what you would typically expect from a cruise ship restaurant.

🎬 WDW Magazine Review: For Stephanie, 1923 “felt more like an intimate restaurant in a big city than a high-capacity cruise ship dining room.” High praise for this high-seas dining experience!

Think of 1923 as a more refined and sophisticated Animator’s Palate . There are more than 1,000 drawings, props, sketches and other animation tools on display in ornate glass cases. The artwork continues along the walls where 16 Disney films are showcased (including the world’s first-ever animated feature-length movie , Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ”). According to the Disney Parks Blog , these films were selected based on their connection to the Disney Wish’s “themes of enchantment and wish fulfillment.”

Tables are set with a white tablecloth, cream napkins, and gold-accented tableware. The plates, salt and pepper shakers, and breadbasket all add to that grandeur we associate with Old Hollywood.

1923 Main Menu

The Disney Wish 1923 menu is inspired by The Walt Disney Company’s California heritage. Diners will indulge in chef-driven fusion dishes that blend together Asian, European, and South American cuisines. Served on gold-accented plates, they tie in well to the Golden State theme.

There’s no shortage of fresh produce, seafood, lean meats, and (most importantly) bold flavors on this menu. Don’t forget to check out the extensive selection of Napa Valley wines on offer too.

1923 Appetizers

Alameda porcini spiced ahi tuna.

The Alameda Porcini Spiced Ahi Tuna is made with Pickled Lotus Root, Oyster Mushroom, Black Sesame Brittle, Wasabi & Yuzu Mayonnaise. 

The seared tuna appetizer is beautifully plated. Our Creative Director, Danny, enjoyed the unique garnishes like the sweet and crunchy black sesame brittle used to offset the tender and spice-rubbed fish.

Hyperion Four-Cheese Tri-Color Tortelloni

The Hyperion Four-Cheese Tri-Color Tortelloni is made with Meyer Lemon, Artichoke, Sun-dried Tomato, and Baby Spinach. 

Burrata Mozzarella Cheese & Prosciutto di Parma

The Burrata Mozzarella Cheese & Prosciutto di Parma has Crisp Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Phyllo and Charred Blood Orange.

The Burata appetizer was so good that Stephanie refused to share. Danny had no choice but to order a second one just so he could get a taste! Totally worth it.

Kingswell Duck Confit Pastilla

Kingswell Duck Confit Pastilla is made with Dates, Apricot, Ginger, Red Pepper, Saffron, and Black Raspberry Jam.

Salad Appetizers

You’ll also have a choice of two salad appetizers. There’s the Fennel, Bartlett Pear, and Tatsoi Salad with Manchego Cheese, Walnuts, and Sherry Dressing. And the Split Napa Baby Romaine Lettuce with Caesar Dressing, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Ciabatta Garlic Croutons

Fennel, Bartlett Pear, and Tatasoi Salad. Photo by Danny Shuster

From The Kettle Appetizers

You also have your choice of appetizers “from the kettle.” These are two different soup options: the Pulled Guinea Hen Corn Chowder with Yukon Gold Potato, Cilantro, and Smoked Bacon. And the Roasted Roma Tomato Soup, served with Sourdough Purple Basil Crostini.

Roasted Roma Tomato Soup. Photo by Danny Shuster

And the Roasted Roma Tomato Soup, served with Sourdough Purple Basil Crostini.

1923 Bread Service

For bread service, enjoy the Fig and Olive Bread, served with Honey Butter Dip.

1923 Entrées

Now it’s onto your entrée options! There are options for everyone to enjoy, with signature entrées, lighter notes, vegetarian dishes, and more for every palate to eat.

Tortiglioni Pasta

The Tortiglioni Pasta is served with Prosecco Cream, Pancetta, Shallots, Cremini Mushrooms, and Lemon Thyme.

Seared Verlasso Salmon Filet

The Seared Verlasso Salmon Filet comes with Californian Wild Honey Parsnip Purée, Orange Fennel Essence, and Sautéed Black Garlic Rapini.

Riverside Roasted Green Circle Chicken

The Riverside Roasted Green Circle Chicken comes with Leek Rondels, Brussels Sprouts, Yukon Potato Fondant, Honeycrisp Apple Chutney, and Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction.

Italian Flat Parsley and Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb

The Italian Flat Parsley and Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb Dauphinoise comes with Potato, Roasted Petite Turnip, Carrot and Zucchini, and Zinfandel Rosemary Sauce.

1923 Peppered Filet Mignon

The 1923 Peppered Filet Mignon comes with Buttered Long Green Beans, Smoked Bacon, Crushed Fingerling Potato Hash, and Pink Pepper Café Au Lait.

Vegetarian Entrées

Moroccan-spiced roasted kabocha & butternut squash  .

The Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Kabocha & Butternut Squash comes with Zaalouk, Garbanzo, Cinnamon Brown Rice, Couscous, Cilantro, Arugula, Pita, and Harissa Dairy Free Yogurt

Buena Vista Soft Shell Tacos

The Buena Vista Soft Shell Tacos are made with Coconut Oil Quinoa, Poblano, Sweet Bell Pepper, Salsa Fresca, Feta Cheese, Pickled Red Onions, and Cashew Cream.

Lighter Notes: Los Feliz Lobster Salad

The Los Feliz Lobster Salad comes with Baby Bibb, Endive Lettuce, Avocado, Jicama, Celery, Purple Potato, Tostones, Black Beans, Grape Tomatoes, Cilantro, Lime

🎬 WDW Magazine Review: Everyone agreed that social media coordinator, Aly’s, lobster salad got top mark for visual appeal. She says it was light, yet satisfying as an entrée.

Grilled Sirloin Steak

The Grilled Sirloin Steak is s erved with Garden Vegetables and your choice of Steamed White Rice or Baked Potato

Roasted Breast of Chicken

The Roasted Breast of Chicken is s erved with Garden Vegetables and your choice of Steamed White Rice or Baked Potato.

Oven-baked Filet of Salmon

The Oven-baked Filet of Salmon is s erved with Garden Vegetables and your choice of Steamed White Rice or Baked Potato.

1923 Desserts

What would a fine dining meal be without some incredibly delicious desserts? 1923 offers desserts for everyone, with an array of different flavors and diet-specific options for you to enjoy.

Churros Calientes

The delicious Churros Calientes are made with Sugar Spice Churros and Dulce de Leche.

🎬 WDW Magazine Review: These churros were a hit with team WDW Magazine! Served warm and crunchy with what Danny calls “an indulgent Dulce de Leche sauce.”

Flourless Orange Almond Cake

The Flourless Orange Almond Cake is made with Guava Gel and Lychee Yogurt Crème.

Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake

The Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake is made with Sweet Dough Shell, Caramelized Apples, Cinnamon Cheesecake, and Rolled Oat Crumble.

🎬 WDW Magazine Review: Leave it to Disney Cruise Line to find a way to “plus” the traditional cheesecake. This dessert is a hybrid that combines the flavor and texture of a warm apple crumble with a slice of cheesecake. Extra points for the gold leaf garnish.

Hollywood Hills Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae

Hollywood Hills Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae  Vanilla Ice Cream, Fudge Brownie Bites, fresh Whipped Cream, Glazed Cherry

Signature Dessert: Burbank Blueberry-Lemon Bavarian Cream 

The Burbank Blueberry-Lemon Bavarian Cream is the restaurant’s signature dessert. The stunning display is made with Ecuador Vanilla Bean, Lemon Rocks, Dried Raspberry Meringue

No Sugar Added Dessert: Coconut Tapioca Pudding 

The Coconut Tapioca Pudding is made with Strawberry-Lime Salsa, and Matcha Crumble, This was a major surprise for the WDW Magazine team, who loved this dessert.

Disney Wish 1923 Kid’s Menu

Of course, there are plenty of kid options as well for this exquisite dining experience! Below you’ll find a full Kid’s Menu for the Disney Wish’s 1923 restaurant.

• Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup: With Crisp Cheese Twist
• Goofy’s Garden Salad: With your favorite choice of Dressing
• Chicken Pot Pie: With Carrots, Potatoes, Celery and Peas. Entrées served with fresh Vegetables and your choice of Smashed Potatoes, Steak Fries or Macaroni & Cheese.
• Mini Cheeseburger: On Brioche Bun. Entrées served with fresh Vegetables and your choice of Smashed Potatoes, Steak Fries or Macaroni & Cheese.
• Panko-Crusted Cod with Tartar Sauce: Entrées served with fresh Vegetables and your choice of Smashed Potatoes, Steak Fries or Macaroni & Cheese
• Crusty Pepperoni Pizza Entrées: Entrées served with fresh Vegetables and your choice of Smashed Potatoes, Steak Fries or Macaroni & Cheese

Disney Check Meals

• Grilled Beef Tenderloin: With Green Beans, Roasted Red Skin Potatoes, and Strawberry Yogurt Parfait. Served with choice of small Low Fat Milk or Water
• Whole Wheat Spiral Pasta & Tomato Sauce: With Roasted Sliced Chicken Breast, Mozzarella Cheese, Green Peas, and Apple Slices. Served with choice of small Low Fat Milk or Water
• Warm Fudge Chocolate Chip Cookie: Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Sprinkles
• Mickey Ice Cream Bar
• Selection of Assorted Ice Cream

Thanks to Disney for hosting us during the Christening Cruise of the Disney Wish. As part of a media preview we were able to enjoy a 3-night sailing, tour the facilities, speak with Imagineers and Cast Members who brought the ship to life, visit Castaway Cay, and enjoy many of the onboard offerings. #DisneyCruise #DisneyWish #DisneyChristening

Latest Posts

Booking Port Adventures on an Alaska Disney Cruise: Ports of Call, Activity Level, Rain and More Details to Consider

Lookout cay at lighthouse point: your guide to disney’s tropical island destination, everything we know about the disney destiny, disney cruise line reveals name and details for new ship, this is the most expensive stateroom you can book on a disney cruise, discover the disney wish’s wedding venue: the grand hall, posts by natasha szostak, authored by natasha szostak.

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100. Dismiss

• Close 

Hi! Our Disney Wish cruise to the Bahamas has our disembarking time at 7:30 am on the last day. Does that mean we must be off the ship at 7:30 am? Is breakfast included the last morning? Thanks. ”

• Useful 1 Useful Please Log In to mark this question useful.
• Save Answer Please Log In to view your saved answers.
•  Pinterest
•  Facebook
•  Email

Meet the Panelist: Melissa, California

Related video.

Related Links

Visit Disney Cruise Line to view exciting itineraries and onboard amenities.

• Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
• Disney Cruise Line Dining
• Disney Cruise Line Activities

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so., ask plandisney, discover the magic of a disney parks family vacation from one of our knowledgeable online panelists..

256 Characters Remaining

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your question.

• Relevant Tags Please select at least one tag related to your question from the choices below.

The menu below has been automatically set to the panelist you were reviewing, however, you can ask anyone on our panel.

• Close Ask a Question Opens the Ask a Question dialog box.

Thanks for submitting your question!

You'll receive an email if your question is answered., please note.

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

PHOTOS: Disney Wish Ems River Conveyance

On March 30, 2022, the Disney Wish reached another key milestone after nearly two years of construction, leaving the Meyer Werft shipyard on a journey to reach open water for the first time.

While there is a bunch of video coverage from yesterday , Disney Cruise Line released some official photos taken by photographer, Robert Fiebak.

The Disney Wish is now in Eemshaven, Netherlands embarking crew members and undergoing some final preparations ahead of sea trials.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

3 Replies to “PHOTOS: Disney Wish Ems River Conveyance”

please post pictures when you take your maiden voyage

Disney Cruise Ship R.M.S. Olympic 2 June 14, 2026 R.M.S. Titanic 2 April 10,2027 R.M.S. Britannic 2 February 26, 2028

southampton england to new york

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The 7 best cruise ships for kids

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Kids can make or break your family cruise. If they’re bored and hate the food options, they will loudly and repeatedly express their displeasure. Pick the wrong cruise ship, and parents will feel as trapped as if they were stranded on a deserted island … with biting crabs underfoot.

The best cruises for kids take advantage of ships with endless fun for the under-18 crowd, plentiful dining that appeals to both young palates and bottomless teen tummies, accommodations and ship services that keep families in mind, and opportunities to meet and hang out with peers. No matter your family size or price range, you can find some incredible vacations at sea that will have kids exclaiming, “Best cruise ever!” by the end of the week.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s  cruise newsletter .

Find the top ship for your next trip with our list of the seven best cruise ships for kids (and their parents).

Disney Wish

No one is surprised that kids are highly entertained on a Disney cruise — but what might be surprising is how much there is for adults to do and enjoy , too. That’s especially true on the new Disney Wish , which debuted in the summer of 2022.

Disney Wish has four kids clubs divided by age, but the main Oceaneer Club for 3- to 12-year-olds has an all-new and exciting grand entrance. Kids get to enter the club by slide — and once inside, can explore the club’s spaces themed to “Star Wars,” fairy tales, Marvel and Disney Imagineers.

Along with the kids club on Disney Wish, junior cruisers will find two movie theaters with first-run Disney movies, Broadway-caliber shows featuring Aladdin and the Little Mermaid and dining experiences themed around Arendelle from “Frozen” and the Worlds of Marvel .

In addition to a “Star Wars-” themed bar and adults-only fine dining restaurants, adults will appreciate the little touches on Wish that make family cruising easier — split bathrooms in most cabins, a drop-off nursery, a splash area for toddlers and restaurant staff members who will offer high chairs and puree baby food.

Disney Wish sails short three- and four-night trips from Port Canaveral , Florida (near Orlando) that include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island , with its family beach, supervised child care, splash pad and strollers to borrow.

Related: How to save money on the cost of a Disney cruise  

A nearly identical sister ship, Disney Treasure , will debut in 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

It hasn’t even launched yet, and we’re already confident that Royal Caribbean ‘s new Icon of the Seas , soon to be the largest ship afloat, will be one of the top cruise ships for kids. Kids will never be bored on a ship with a six-slide water park, wild ropes course, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, sports court and Surfside — a half deck of play spaces and restaurants devoted to little kids and their families.

Kids (and parents) who like a good show can gasp as ice skaters land jumps on a rocking ship, and acrobatic divers flip and splash in the AquaTheater, now up high on the ship under a glass dome. Don’t miss pizza and parades on the Royal Promenade, Icon’s indoor shopping strip.

The ship will also have innovative new family cabins and suites, some with separate kids’ rooms, to better accommodate guests of all ages. The Ultimate Family Townhouse will be a massive three-floor living space with a screening room, karaoke machine, in-suite slide and a backyard that leads out to the Surfside family neighborhood.

Related: 5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

Icon of the Seas will sail weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning in January 2024.

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore has a more grown-up vibe than many of the family-focused ships on our list, but its onboard attractions make it a huge hit with teens. Its top decks lure older kids with one of the biggest go-kart tracks in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and an open-air laser tag arena ideal for shooting matches under the stars. A huge virtual reality playground features rides and games that blow the standard cruise ship arcade out of the water.

Note to parents: Cruiselong passes for the go-kart race track , virtual reality games and laser tag do not come cheap. Be prepared to pull out your wallet to keep the teens happy.

At night, teens can feed their growing bodies with tacos, hibachi and barbecue, plus 24/7 burgers and comfort food at The Local. Afterward, they’ll agree to be seen in public with their parents at a show as cool as “Choir of Man.” It’s an easy concession, as they know they can always escape to the teen club, Entourage, to hang out with the cool kids late at night.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Norwegian Encore spends its summers in Alaska and winters in the Caribbean, with a handful of Panama Canal and Pacific Coast sailings in between.

Carnival Celebration

Passengers and crew members on Carnival Cruise Line ships come ready to meet new friends or share a laugh, a story and a drink with their shipmates. Social kids will fit right in and love the line’s huge, new ship Carnival Celebration . They can make friends at the Family Harbor Lounge, Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss Bookville; older kids will enjoy the teen and tween clubs conveniently located near Guy Fieri’s burger stand and the video arcade.

Carnival Celebration and its near-identical twin fleet mate, Mardi Gras , are the only cruise ships boasting a top-deck roller coaster called Bolt. (That is until a third sister, Carnival Jubilee, debuts in late 2023.) A ride here is Instagram gold and the ultimate bragging rights for kids on vacation. The coaster dominates the Ultimate Playground area of the ship, where young cruisers can challenge their new friends to miniature golf, waterslide races, basketball and ropes course domination.

Kids who love a good food court can meet up with friends or family at several no-fee, casual eateries, including Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant and a trio of Street Eats venues featuring dumplings, meat on a stick and loaded French fries. All-hours pizza and ice cream will keep the whole family fueled up for the interactive “Family Feud Live” show.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Carnival Celebration sails weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami. Its sister Mardi Gras sails similar Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando). Carnival Jubilee will be based out of Galveston, Texas, and offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises only.

Sun Princess

It may seem odd that two of our top ships for kids haven’t debuted yet. However, like Icon of the Seas, Princess Cruises ‘ new 4,300-passenger Sun Princess will be heads and shoulders above the rest of the fleet in terms of family entertainment. If you’re booking a multigenerational family cruise for 2024 or beyond, you will definitely want to keep this ship in mind.

Sun Princess will be the first Princess cruise ship to feature an expansive upper-deck activity zone that kids will love. Named Park19, it will feature nine fun-in-the-sun activities spanning three decks. The attractions include the Sea Breeze Rollglider (imagine a safer version of hang-gliding from an elevated track), a climbing structure with obstacles and a slide, a ropes course, a splash zone and a sports court.

Inside the ship, Firefly Park will have drop-off kid programming and family play spaces for kids 6 months to 7 years old. Tweens and teens will each have their own hangouts, Neon Grove and The Underground, with cozy lounge furniture and plenty of video and other games.

Related: Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?

Sun Princess will split its time between Mediterranean cruises out of Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Piraeus (the port for Athens) and Barcelona as well as Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale.

MSC Seascape

MSC Cruises ‘ MSC Seascape is a floating megaresort with something for every type of kid. The ship stands out from its sisters because of its Robotron amusement park-style ride . Three riders at a time buckle into seating attached to a robotic arm, which then twists and turns to fly the riders over the ship and sea.

Water babies will make a break for the Pirates Cove Aquapark, with slides, a splash zone and a rope bridge. Other kids might spend their parents’ money on more virtual fun, indulging in F1 race car simulators, VR motorcycle racing, a 4D movie theater and a video arcade. Family groups can split into teams for sports court competitions or participate in organized games that rely on the latest technology to challenge guests of all ages.

The ship’s Lego-themed Doremi Land kids club has dedicated spaces for babies, kids and teens. The 7,567-square-foot space includes two Lego rooms (one for little kids to play with Duplos, the other with regular Lego bricks for older kids); the area also includes three spaces for teens — a gaming area (with VR options), a hangout with ping pong and foosball and a dance club.

Related: 7 cruise lines where kids sail free

And let’s not forget the line’s amazing pizza (including dessert versions slathered in Nutella) that families are sure to love.

MSC Seascape sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

AmaWaterways’ AmaLea

The typical river cruise draws a lot of retirees — except when Adventures by Disney partners with AmaWaterways. The two travel companies have created a river cruise vacation that is fun for grown-ups and kids.

AmaLea is one of the ships AmaWaterways custom-built for these family cruises. Certain twin balcony cabins sleep three, and suites sleep four to accommodate kids, with connecting cabin options for families who need more space. Unlike many river ships, AmaLea has a pool, as well as a surprise kid hit — giant outdoor chess.

While other ships sail the Seine and Rhine rivers, AmaLea travels the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Adventures by Disney makes the most of your time with shore excursions planned to entertain kids and adults, with options for supervised kid activities while parents head out on more grown-up tours. Your family might meet farm animals in Hungary, play hide-and-seek in a palace’s labyrinth maze in Austria and hang around in a treetop playground in Germany.

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

On board, kids’ menus are available, and the occasional pajama party whisks kids away for pizza and a movie while adults linger over dinner.

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
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.