Disney Cruise Line Frequently Asked Questions

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

WE'VE NEVER BEEN ON A CRUISE. WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?

First, relax -- that's the point of your vacation. With Disney Cruise Line,
you'll find your ticketing, air transportation and transfers (if you choose the DCL air program), stateroom accommodations, meals, and entertainment on board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack. And, if necessary, you can purchase almost anything you need right on board.

SHOULD I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE?

We strongly recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacations
Protection Plan that provides baggage, trip cancellation/interruption, and
medical expense coverage for your vacation. Remember, most major
medical policies do not provide coverage outside the U.S. See Terms and Conditions section for details.

Disney Cruise Line does recommend that all guests, including U.S. citizens, have passports. For information in obtaining a passport, here's a link to the official government website . Due to the current volume of requests, please allow ample time for your passport application to be processed. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.

All non-U.S.citizens , including alien residents of the United States, must have valid passports and necessary visas at time of embarkation to ensure his/her ability to re-enter the U.S. upon the ship’s return. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest.

These guidelines are based on U.S. government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. It is the Guest’s responsibility to check with their travel agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates prior to their vacation to ensure that they have proper documentation.

Unfortunately, any Guest traveling without proper documentation, as mentioned above, will not be allowed to board the vessel.

For all non-U.S. citizens including Canadian citizens, travel documents will be taken upon check-in by a Disney Cruise Line® representative, and a passport/Alien Resident Card receipt will be issued for presentation to immigration inspectors upon return to Port Canaveral.

SHOULD I BRING CASH? CREDIT CARDS? FOREIGN
CURRENCY?

Transactions aboard the ship are in U.S. dollars. In The Bahamas, the Caribbean and in Mexico, U.S.dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. You won't need to bring much cash. One exception are gratuities for the Porters who check your luggage and assist in retrieving it at the end of your cruise. The other is the Post Office on Castaway Cay which requires cash.

Disney Cruise Line has a convenient "cash-free" system on board the ship. When you arrive at the Walt Disney World� Resort or at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at Port Canaveral, your signature will be requested for check-in. At this time you may also present a credit card (American Express�, MasterCard�, or Visa�), which will give you charging privileges at both the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard the ship. Any purchases on the ship, including beverage services, spa, salon services, photography, medical and laundry services, purchases from the retail shops, gratuities, and any item or service of a personal nature, must be charged to your room.

All charges must be settled before your resort departure and disembarkation from the ship by cash, personal check, travelers checks, Disney Dollars, American Express�, MasterCard�, or Visa�. (Any other expenses are payable on demand.) Note: Credit card payments are subject to credit clearance, and personal checks must be accompanied by a valid U.S. driver's license and a major credit card.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

In short, the less the better. The Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line offer a casual, informal resort atmosphere. During the summer months, lightweight shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans, and tops are all appropriate daytime attire in the Caribbean and Central Florida. In the winter, a light jacket, sweater, and socks may be needed for cooler days and nights. Bring comfortable shoes -- deck shoes, sandals, sneakers, etc. And don't forget swim wear, sun glasses, a sun hat or visor, and sunscreen -- especially for the kids.

The dress policy is "Cruise Casual." It is requested that you do not wear tank tops, swimwear or shorts to the dining rooms. Jeans are allowed.

If you dine at Palo, they have a separate dress code in place.

For guests sailing on the Magic, there is a formal and a semi-formal dinner. Disney Cruise Line will provide a brochure with tuxedo rental information for gentlemen wishing to have a tux provided onboard.

For guests sailing on the Wonder, there will be one "dress-up" night where gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket while ladies are asked to wear either a dress or pantsuit.

For guests on both the Magic and the Wonder, there is a themed "Pirates of the Caribbean" night. Guests may choose to wear "pirate" attire if they'd like.

Also remember to bring prescription medicines in original containers, an
extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, and your camera. Of course, if you do forget something, you can buy it on board. Please note that a limited number of strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental on board.

YOU MUST BE CHECKED IN PRIOR TO 4:00pm. This is a requirement of US Customs and there are no exceptions. If you have a traffic and/or airline delay, is is suggested that you contact Disney Cruise Line, however if you arrive at the port after 4:00pm, you will likely be denied boarding.

If you miss the check-in cut off, you will be given the option of boarding at the next port at your own expense. If you choose not to do this, you will be given a card advising how to contact DCL Guest Communications.

The ship sets sail at 5:00pm and returns to Port Canaveral at 6:00am. Disembarking can begin as early as 7:30am, but that can vary.

HOW EARLY CAN I BOARD THE SHIP?

Boarding usually begins around 11:45am but it’s up to the discretion of the Captain as to when this process begins.

Arrival: Final boarding is at 4:00pm. No one is allowed to board after that time. The port is approximately an hour drive from the Orlando airport. You’ll also need to factor in the time it will take to get to your transportation. Morning flight arrivals are recommended.

If your flight is delayed and you arrive between 3:00 and 3:45pm, the Disney Cruise Line team located at the airport will be able to check you in for your cruise, however you must still get yourself to the ship prior to 5:00pm.

Departure: While you may be allowed to disembark as early as 7:30am, there are many factors that can impact when the passengers are allowed to leave the ship. You also need to consider the time needed for airport security. Disney Cruise Line recommends that you book return flights no earlier than 12:00pm.

CRUISE ONLY: You’ll receive luggage tags in your cruise packet. When flying on the same day as the departure of your cruise, you’ll affix these tags to your luggage before leaving for the airport. (Since your bags may not arrive at your stateroom until 5:00pm or later, pack a carryon bag with your documents and necessities.) Upon arrival in the Orlando airport, these tags identify your bags and they are brought directly to the ship. You do not need to go to Baggage Claim.

Disney Cruise Line agents will be in the main terminal of the airport and are easily identified. Starting at 9:00am, a “meet and greet” is scheduled. The shuttles are boarded on a first come/first served basis. Departure begins at 10:30am.

LAND/SEA PACKAGE: You’ll affix your tags to your checked bags the same as “cruise only” clients providing that you are arriving on the same day that the package is scheduled to begin. It will not be necessary to go to Baggage Claim as your bags will be brought to your resort. Shuttle service to the resorts begins at 9:00am. (If you’ve added on a pre-stay, you must not attach the tags and you will need to retrieve your luggage. The transfers will be honored by Mears, the official shuttle of Walt Disney World.)

The evening before your cruise, your luggage is picked up from the resort. You’ll receive instructions while there as to how this process works, and what time the shuttle will be departing from your resort.

BOTH: Upon arrival back at Port Canaveral, you will be required to retrieve your luggage from Customs. The major airlines have check-in counters at the port and will transport your checked bags to the airport. Shuttles board and depart on a first come/first served basis.

You will receive a Shore Excursion and final payment reminder from Disney Cruise Line approximately 90 days prior to your cruise. If you’re sailing on the Magic, you’ll also receive information regarding tuxedo rental for the formal/semi-formal nights.

The Cruise Packet follows. It can arrive anywhere from 14 to 10 days prior to your departure date. Dreams has the packet delivered directly to you from Disney Cruise Line.

The Cruise Packet is delivered via UPS. No one needs to sign for it. It can be delivered to whatever address you choose, but it cannot be delivered to a PO box. Please note that if you choose an alternate address other than your home, DCL still needs to have your home address in their records.

The forms in the Cruise Packet include your itinerary, the ship’s policies, gratuity guidelines, luggage tags which are to be affixed to your checked bags when you arrive at the Port unless you’re using Disney transfers (see above), a form which is to be filled out and notarized if you have a minor under age 18 who is traveling without their parent/legal guardian, and the form which is to be filled out with your credit card information while onboard. You’ll also be provided with any Immigration forms that are required for your particular sailing.

You can call Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-601-8455 to order shipboard credits. Note that any unused credits will be refunded back to the credit card used to place the order.

The cost of the Romantic Escape At Sea (REAS) package is $359.00. It can be added to a reservation at any time. If your reservation is paid in full, it will need to be paid for when ordered.

This includes a Romance Basket which contains two cotton bathrobes, a box of chocolate, a voucher for a complimentary 8x10 photo and a silver frame for the picture.

You'll receive Tropical Rainforest Passes (1 per person), and you'll get priority seating for dinner at Palo which includes a bottle from their premium wine list.

On a pre-selected evening, you'll experience the Romance turndown service. You'll also get breakfast in bed on one morning. This will include your choice of two glasses of champagne or mimosas.

I HAVE AN AIR INCLUSIVE PACKAGE. WHEN WILL I KNOW MY FLIGHT SCHEDULE AS ARRANGED BY DISNEY CRUISE LINE?

Disney Cruise Line uses "bulk air" when making flight assignments for their guests. Flights are not finalized until 30 days prior to your arrival and they DO NOT make your seat assignments. Once you have the flight information, you need to contact the airline to have your seating requests noted.

You will be able to access your flight itinerary online approximately 21 days prior to your arrival. (You can call the Air/Sea department once you've reached the 30 day mark for this information)

They make every effort to get you to the Orlando airport in a timely fashion, but you may be scheduled for connecting flights.

If you prefer to fly in the day prior or specify a direct flight, airline, etc., you may do so by paying an additional $50.00 deviation fee.

When booking air with Disney Cruise Line as part of your vacation package, it includes complimentary ground transportation while in Orlando.

Note that in accordance with airline policies, children under age 2 are not provided with air unless it is specifically requested. Disney Cruise Line will consider the infant to be a "lap child." Children age 2 and up are required to have a seat on the plane.

Can I pre-book my Shore Excursions, Palo, Spa Treatments and Register for the Children's Programs before boarding?

You sure can. The booking schedule is based on your category and if you've booked previously. For details Click Here

ON LAND

HOW ABOUT GOLF?

During your Walt Disney World stay, you can tee off at any of five
championship golf courses. If you would like information on greens fees, tee times, or tournaments, please call the Master Starter at (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or fax (407) 824-3704.

CAN I PARK AT PORT CANAVERAL?

If you prefer to drive to your cruise, the Canaveral Port Authority provides outdoor parking at the pier. Parking is $15.00 a day. Rates are subject to change.

WE'RE FLYING INTO THE ORLANDO AIRPORT THE DAY BEFORE OUR CRUISE AND ARE USING DISNEY CRUISE LINE TRANSFERS. CAN WE ADD ON A NIGHT AT THE AIRPORT HYATT? HOW DO WE USE THE TRANSFERS THE FOLLOWING DAY?

If you’re flying in the day prior to your cruise, you can add a night at the Orlando airport Hyatt to your Disney Cruise Reservation. Depending on availability and the time of year, the rate varies between $170 and $185 (tax inclusive.)

The rooms at the Orlando Airport Hyatt can accommodate up to 4 guests. If you have a larger party, you will be required to book two rooms.

The hotel has two restaurants and a lounge. In addition, there’s a food court and restaurants in the airport where you can dine. From poolside, you can watch the planes come and go. The Orlando Airport Hyatt also has high speed internet access and an exercise facility. The guest rooms feature a refrigerator, coffee maker, balcony/patio, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, room service, etc.

There’s no shortage of shopping in the airport where the Orlando Hyatt is located. The Walt Disney Earport, Sea World Store, Universal Studio Store, Harley Davidson store, Oakley, Kennedy Space Center Store, Crocs, Del Sol, Florida Market, Brookstone, Borders, Ron Jon, L’Occitane, etc. are all found close by.

When using Disney Cruise Line transfers from the airport to Port Canaveral, you will need to bring your luggage to Terminal B, Level 1. Here you will check in for your ground transportation. (Depending on capacity, your luggage may be transported separately or will be on the shuttle with you.)

The Cruise Line shuttles operate on a “first come, first served” basis. The first shuttle departs at approximately 10:30am.

AT SEA

CAN I CALL HOME FROM THE SHIP?

You can direct dial anywhere in the world right from your stateroom.
Ship-to-shore rates of $6.95 per minute apply and will be posted in your stateroom.

Cell phone service is also available through most major providers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Team Mobile, etc.) The ship must be 8 to 10 miles out to sea before you can access cell service. NOTE THAT SERVICE IS LIMITED TO THE STATEROOMS. Common areas will not have cell access.

Disney recommends that you contact your cell provider prior to sailing. They can advise what is needed to arrange for access. International roaming fees will be billed to your account. (These charges vary and can take up to 90 days to appear on your statement.)

WHAT'S AN ASSEMBLY DRILL -- AND DO I HAVE TO GO?

Everyone on board the ship must participate in a compulsory safety drill
before departure to comply with Coast Guard and international safety
regulations. All passengers are required to attend.

THERE'S SO MUCH TO DO ON THE SHIP! HOW WILL I
KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON AND WHEN?

On your cruise, you can Discover Uncharted Magic(SM) of your own. A complete listing of all activities, adventures, and entertainment will be
available upon arrival in your stateroom. Guest Services and the youth staff will be happy to assist you in developing a customized itinerary for your one-of-a-kind voyage.

IS THERE CHILD CARE ON BOARD?

Of course! Supervised children's adventures and activities are available on the ship from 9 a.m. to midnight for children ages three to 12. Parents sign their children in and out of the programs. Younger children must be potty trained in order to participate. Activities have been designed for teen's ages 13 to 17 as well. Teen's do not need to be signed in and out by parents. There is no additional charge for these planned activities. For children under age 3, there is "Flounder's Nursery" which is fee based. Hours vary and you must sign up for this service. It is limited.

CAN I WORK AWAY FROM HOME? (Business services)

We know how important it is for business people, even when they are on vacation, to keep in touch with responsibilities at the office. You'll find a full range of business services at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard the ship available for an additional charge, including facsimile transmission, document preparation, group presentations assistance, copies, AV equipment, and computer access services. On the ship, ship-to-shore calling rates apply.

The shore excursions are determined by your ports of call. Excursions cannot be booked until the cruise is paid in full and must be booked directly with Disney Cruise Line. We maintain a list of excursions for your convenience: Shore Excursions

NOTE: Shore excursions are final and non-refundable once you're within 3 days of your sail date

Can I get my return flight boarding passes onboard?

You can check in and get your boarding passes while onboard if you use the following airlines:

AirTran

Alaska Airlines

American

Continental

Delta

Jet Blue

Northwest

United

Ted

Additionally, if you're using Disney transfers to get to the Orlando airport, they'll take care of getting your luggage there. (If you're using your own transportation, you'll need to pick it up that morning as you're disembarking.)

If you're not using those airlines, you can use the ship's fee paid internet service and check in online.

WHAT TIME IS DINNER?

On the Disney Wonder and Disney Wonder, Main seating is staggered at 5:45pm, 6:00pm or 6:15pm. Second Seating is at 8:00pm, 8:15pm or 8:30pm.

You should inform your travel agent of your seating time preference when you book your vacation. No requests are guaranteed. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults, while families dine with other families. Children's menus are
available in the restaurants. In addition, a dinner buffet will be offered for children who participate in supervised programs during the dinner hour.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO DINNER?

As part of the "Cruise Casual" policy, it is asked that you do not wear tank tops, swimwear or shorts to the dining rooms. Jeans are allowed.

The evening's attire is determined by the day, not the restaurant. On the 7 day cruises you will have a formal night, semi-formal, Pirate/tropical night and four "Cruise Casual" nights. (Disney Cruise Line will provide a brochure for tuxedo rentals prior to your cruise.)

On the 3 and 4 day cruises you will have one night that is designated "dress-up." Gentlmen will be asked to wear a jacket and ladies either a dress or pantsuit.

For the "Pirates of the Caribbean" themed night, guests may wear pirate costumes if they'd like.

For guests who make a reservation at Palo, during dinner gentlemen will be required to wear a dress shirt. Gentlemen wearing polo shirts, t-shirts, Tommy Bahama style shirts, etc will not be allowed admittance. Jackets and/or ties are still recommended but not required. Notices will be in the Personal Navigator, on the Palo reservation card and a sign outside the elevators on deck 10 will contain this dress advisory. The Resort Casual dress code for both the brunch and high tea remains unchanged.

IS THERE A ROMANTIC RESTAURANT JUST FOR ADULTS?

The ship features an adults-only alternative restaurant called Palo. Dining hours for Palo are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are require and can be made online in advance or on a first-come, first-served basis when you arrive. Palo dining is limited to guests 18 and older. There is a service charge of $10.00 per guest for gratuities/fees. Please note the dress requirements above.

WHAT ABOUT BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND SNACKS?

Breakfast and lunch are served in Parrot Cay, Lumi�re's, and Triton's. And there's an indoor/outdoor buffet or casual poolside dining during breakfast and lunch.

IS ROOM SERVICE AVAILABLE?

Would you care for breakfast in bed or a sandwich at midnight? While on board, you can order room service 24 hours a day. From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., a complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to your stateroom upon request, with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. For guests occupying the Walter E. Disney Suite, Roy O. Disney Suite, and the two-bedroom or one-bedroom suites, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with the exclusion of disembarkation morning.

I'M ON A SPECIAL DIET. CAN I GET IT ON BOARD?

Low-sodium meals, Kosher meals, and certain other special restricted-diet meals will be available. Dietary requests should be made at time of booking. At the Walt Disney World Resort, dietary needs may be accommodated at most full-service restaurants if requested 24 hours in advance.

WHAT IS THE POLICY ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?

The drinking age aboard the ship is 21. Valid photo ID required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sales and/or service to anyone.

WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF FILM?

You won't, because you can buy film at the photo shop, Shutters, which also offers photography services and a limited selection of cameras and accessories. Of course, with so many exciting photo opportunities happening on board, you might wonder if you can cover it all. But don't feel pressured to keep your camera handy. The photographers will wander the ship, putting your fun and excitement on film. You'll find their photos displayed for purchase at the photo shop. Film and quality photo finishing services are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

WHAT CAN WE BUY?

Lots! You'll have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Disney Cruise Line logo merchandise available on board and nowhere else. From beautiful clothes to towels to fine watches -- this is your chance to keep the memories alive long after your cruise. You'll also find unique and exclusive Disney collectibles, and if you forget your toothpaste or bathing suit -- they've got those, too. All this, and much more, is available at the duty-free and retail shops of Disney Cruise Line. Two things to keep in mind, items such as over the counter medications and other "essentials" are going to have typical (high) resort prices. Most important, the stores have restricted hours and cannot be open while in most ports. Keep this in mind if you see something and plan on buying it "later."

DID YOU SAY THERE'S A SPA ON THE SHIP? AHHH! LEAD ME TO IT!

Disney Cruise Line offers one of the largest and most elaborate spa and fitness centers at sea, with programs ranging from a simple facial to a full range of treatments to relax and refresh your body and soul. Spa, hair salon, massage, and beauty shop charges are additional and may be charged to your room.

IS THERE LAUNDRY SERVICE?

Laundry services are available at your Walt Disney World hotel and we suggest you take advantage of them if you have a lot of laundry to do during your stay. On board, laundry and dry-cleaning services (with stateroom pickup) are available for a charge. There is also a self-service Guest Laundry Room with coin-operated washers and dryers, detergent, and ironing equipment. For safety reasons, irons or steamers may be used in the laundry room only.

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?

For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24 hours a day on every cruise to provide basic medical services. The physician and nurse will charge their standard prevailing fees for these services. Also, please bring an adequate supply of any prescription drugs (in their original containers) you require and keep them in your carry-on luggage.

IS THERE A LIMIT ON DUTY-FREE PURCHASES?

You'll find lots of exciting duty-free shopping right on board in our shops as well as on shore in Nassau! Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line returning from The Bahamas to the U.S. can bring back up to U.S. $600 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price) per guest. You must fill out a U.S. Customs Declaration, delivered to your stateroom the night before the cruise ends, even if you have nothing to declare or haven't gone over the allowance, one form per family with same last name, and submit it to U.S. Customs upon disembarkation. Each guest 21 years old and older is limited to two (2) liters of alcohol (of which one [1] liter must be produced in The Bahamas) and one (1) carton of cigarettes and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars) duty free. These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change. Payment for duty can be made in cash or personal checks only. All articles must be declared. This includes articles purchased in The Bahamas and on the ship, gifts presented to you on board, and duty-free items purchased on or off the ship.

HELP! I'M REALLY CONFUSED ABOUT TIPPING!

We'll make it easy. As a guideline, Disney suggests the following which covers gratuities for the Stateroom Host/Hostess, Head Server, Server and Assistant Server:

NOTE THAT YOU CAN PRE-PAY YOUR GRATUITIES UP TO THREE DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SAILING. THE RATES APPEARING ABOVE WILL BE CHARGED TO YOUR ACCOUNT. (REMINDER, THE RATES ARE PER GUEST.)

When pre-paying, you will receive tickets with the gratuity for each member of your Disney team of Servers and Room Host while onboard.

For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your shipboard account during your sailing. When ordering room service, a tip is customary.

CAN WE CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION?

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or other special occasion, please have your travel agent advise us of such occasions at least three weeks prior to departure. We will be happy to celebrate the occasion in the dining rooms. We offer a great variety of fun-filled baskets, merchandise, and other goodies that will get your cruise off to a perfect start. We'll be happy to send you a brochure listing all these items with your tickets. Then just follow the instructions and a basket full of fun will be waiting for you in your stateroom!

WILL WE GET TO SEE DISNEY CHARACTERS ON BOARD?

We thought you'd never ask! On board, the beloved Disney Characters appear like magic in an array of different settings including lively stage shows, plenty of meet-and-greet and photo opportunities, and other special programs, especially in kids' areas at Disney's Oceaneer Club and on Castaway Cay. These are magical moments to remember forever -- only on Disney Cruise Line!

For guests on the Magic, there is a Character Breakfast. You'll be provided with a ticket with the day/time while onboard.

IS BABY-SITTING AVAILABLE ON BOARD?

Group baby-sitting is available for children twelve weeks to two years old in Flounder's Nursery on Deck 5. Guests must sign up their children on embarkation day. There is a fee of $11 per child per hour, and $1 per additional child per hour. The facility will be open daily. (Rates are subject to change.)

Yes there is. If your laptop computer is wireless equipped, you can use it onboard. If you don't have a laptop, there are computers available.

I NEED MORE COPIES OF PHOTOS I PURCHASED ONBOARD BUT THEY'RE COPYRIGHTED. IS THERE A PHOTO RELEASE FORM?

If you need to make duplicates of photos that you purchased at Shutters while onboard, you can download a photo release form.

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