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Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Leave Home

We've Never Been On a Cruise. What Do We Need To Know? Answer

Should I Buy Travel Insurance? Answer

What Documentation Do I need To Bring? Answer

Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign currency? Answer

What should I pack? Answer

I've heard reports about the stomach flu affecting passengers on cruise ships. What do I need to know? Answer

Dining Onboard

What is Rotation Dining? Answer

What Time Is Dinner? Answer

What Should I Wear To Dinner? Answer

Is There a Romantic Restaurant just for adults? Answer

What About Breakfast and Lunch? Answer

Is room service available? Answer

I'm on a special diet. Can I get it on board? Answer

What is the policy on alcoholic beverages? Answer

What is the policy for charging for beverages? Answer

Services and Amenities

Do I need an electrical converter? Answer

What if I run out of film? Answer

What can we buy? Answer

Did you say there's a spa on the ship? Ahhh! Lead me to it! Answer

Is there laundry service? Answer

Can I bring visitors on board the ship? Answer

Help! I'm really confused about tipping!? Answer

Will we get to see Disney characters on board? Answer

What about babysitting? Answer

At Sea

Can I call home from the ship? Answer

What's an Assembly Drill - and do I have to go? Answer

There's so much to do on the ship! How will I know what's going on when? Answer

Is there children's programming on board? Answer

Can I work away from home? (Business Services) Answer

What if someone gets sick? Answer

Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Bahamas? Answer

Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Eastern Caribbean? Answer

Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Western Caribbean? Answer

Could the Ports of Call ever change unexpectedly? Answer

Can I bring coolers and food onboard? Answer

Why is Disney Cruise Line® longer allowing children in diapers into your pools and spas? Answer

In Ports-of-Call

How long do we stay in port? Answer

How do I get on and off the ship when it docks at ports? Answer

Do I have to book excursions in advance? Answer

Are meals served on excursions? Answer

Are there things to do on shore if I'm not on an excursion? Answer

Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Bahamas? Answer

Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Western Caribbean? Answer

Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Eastern Caribbean? Answer

How do I declare purchases with U.S. Customs? Answer

Are duty-free third-party deliveries allowed in ports of call? Answer

Guests with Disabilities

Are there wheelchair-accessible staterooms available? Answer

How can I receive more information about accommodations for Guests with disabilities? Answer

Before You Leave Home

1. 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 our air program), your stateroom accommodations, meals and entertainment on board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack - and you don't need to bring much, because the atmosphere is casual and informal. And if necessary, you can purchase almost anything you need right on board.

2. 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.

3. What Documentation Do I need To Bring?

Required Documents for U.S. Citizens

All Guests claiming U.S. citizenship must present one of the following as proof of U.S. citizenship:

A valid U.S. Passport
A valid U.S. Passport Card
A valid state-issued Enhanced Driver's License - this is a special type of license that provides proof of identity and US citizenship; not all states offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses - visit http://www.getyouhome.gov for the most up to date list of participating states
A valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
Government-issued photo ID along with one of the following:
- Original or copy of their state issued birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State,
- Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Guests under the age of 16 may present one of the following:
- Original or copy of their state issued birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State
- Naturalization Certificate issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

With the exception of the state issued birth certificate, photocopies of the above documents are not acceptable.

United States citizens can visit the State Department's travel website at http://travel.state.gov or call the United States National Passport Information Center at (877) 4USA-PPT (487-2778) for more information.

4. Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign currency?

Transactions aboard the ship are in U.S. dollars. In The Bahamas and the Caribbean, U.S. dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. But you won't need much cash (except for shoreside purchases), because 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®, Visa®, Discover Card®, Diner's Club®, Japanese Credit Bureau or The Disney Credit Card) 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 our retail shops, gratuities and any item of service of a personal nature must be charged to your room. All charges must be settled before your Resort departure and debarkation from the ship by cash, travellers checks, Disney Dollars or by the credit cards mentioned above. (Any other expenses are payable on demand.) Note: Credit card payments are subject to credit clearance.

5. 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 Bahamas, 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 - like boatshoes, sandals, or sneakers. And don't forget swimwear, sunglasses, a sunhat or visor and sunscreen - especially for the kids.

Shipboard evening attire for the Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay dining rooms is casual. Button-down, open-collar shirts or polo shirts and slacks are recommended for men. Pants and a blouse or a casual dress are appropriate for ladies. For Lumiére's and Triton's restaurants and our adult-only alternative dinner restaurant, Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets, or a button-down shirt and tie, and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening.

Aboard the 7-Night Caribbean Cruise there is one evening dinner which requires more formal or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance for this special dinner. For those guests sailing on our 7-night cruise, we will celebrate the spirit of the Caribbean with a special deck party. You are invited to join in the fun by wearing festive island wear including colorful shirts, dresses, shorts or pants.

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 strollers are available for rental on board.

6. I've heard reports about the stomach flu affecting passengers on cruise ships. What do I need to know?

Stomach flu-like symptoms have recently been reported on cruise ships. There have also been similar reports of the stomach flu throughout North America and Europe. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has conducted extensive lab tests on cruise ships and determined the stomach flu has been passed through person-to-person contact and is not tied to food or water aboard. In fact, a flu bug going around a cruise ship is no different than one being passed around a school or office building. Nevertheless, guests aboard our ships will observe precautionary measures being taken to promote their well-being. For more information, please call 1-800-951-3532.

At Sea

7. Can I call home from the ship?

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

8. 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.

9. There's so much to do on the ship! How will I know what's going on when?

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

10. Is there children's programming on board?

Of course! Supervised children's programs and activities are available on the ship from 9:00 a.m. to midnight for children ages 3-12. Children must be age 3 and potty trained in order to participate. Children must be able to interact comfortably within our counselor-to-child ratio groups of 1:15 (ages 3-4) and 1:25 (ages 5-12) and within our established age groupings of 3-4, 5-7, 8-9, 10-12. Disney Cruise Line® is unable to provide one-on-one care. A child who shows symptoms of physical illness such as fever, vomiting or diarrhea or who becomes disruptive within the group may be excluded from participation. Parents sign their children in and out of the programs. Events have been designed for teens as well, ages 13-17. Teens do not need to be signed in and out by parents. There is no additional charge for these planned events.

11. Can I work away from home? (Business Services)

Disney Cruise Line® knows 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 on board the ship available for an additional charge, including facsimile transmission, copies, and AV equipment when booked prior to embarkation. On the ship, ship-to-shore calling rates apply.

12. What if someone gets sick?

For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24 hours a day to provide basic medical services on every cruise. The physician and nurse are employed by a company independent from Disney Cruise Line. But please keep in mind that a child who shows symptons of physical illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rashes or discharge from the nose or eyes may be excluded from participation in programming as well as from babysitting services in Flounder's Reef Nursery. Standard prevailing fees will be charged for all physician and nurse services. If you require any prescription drug, be sure to bring an adequate supply in its original container. You should keep it in your carry-on luggage so it is easily at hand.

13. Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Bahamas?

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, provided at least $200 of the allotment is purchased in The Bahamas. Each Guest 21 years of age and older is limited to (2) liters of alcohol, of which one (1) liter (33.8 ounces) must be produced in The Bahamas. 200 cigarettes and up to 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

14. Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Eastern Caribbean?

There sure are. Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line returning from the Caribbean to the U.S. can bring back up to $1,200 per traveler. However, no more than $400 in purchases can be made on board the ship, on Castaway Cay or on St. Maarten, allowing $800 worth of purchases from St. Thomas. Or, the entire $1,200 allowance may be used on purchases from St. Thomas alone. Each Guest 21 years of age or older is limited to: (5) liters of alcohol (Only one liter can be acquired in St. Maarten or on the ship, with an additional four liters being exempt if purchased on St. Thomas providing at least one liter is produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands): (5) cartons of cigarettes (Only one carton can be acquired in St. Maarten or on ths ship, with an additional four cartons being exempted if purchased on St. Thomas): 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

15. Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Western Caribbean?

The exemption per person for returning residents is $400 per person. This amount may be grouped from the ship, Grand Cayman, or Cozumel. An additional $200 is allowed from Castaway Cay, or a total of $600 may be purchased in Castaway Cay. Each person 21 years of age or older may acquire (1) liter of alcohol; 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars) AND 200 cigarettes duty free. These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

16. Could the Ports of Call ever change unexpectedly?

Very rarely. Disney Cruise Line® only diverts from thier scheduled Ports in cases of extreme weather (such as hurricanes) or during other circumstances that may challenge safety. When time permits, they always try to alert Guests to possible Port changes prior to sailing.

17. Can I bring coolers and food onboard?

Coolers are not permitted except for those needed for medications, baby food, or items related to dietary constraints. Items must be pre-packaged, un-opened, and do NOT require any food prep from the kitchen. Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, chips, candy, etc.) may NOT be brought onboard. Homemade items or pre-cooked items purchased on the way to the ship will not be allowed to be brought aboard. Also, open bags or containers of snacks items should not be brought aboard ship. All items will need to be stored in the stateroom. The ship's storage and/or refrigeration is not available to use.

18. Why is Disney Cruise Line® longer allowing children in diapers into your pools and spas?

The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained be permitted to enter swimming pools and spas on board cruise ships. For the safety of our guests, Disney Cruise Line® is taking every precaution to inform them of these USPHS requirements.

Dining Onboard

19. What is Rotation Dining?

Cruises are famous for great food, but only Disney Cruise Line® features three spectacular main restaurants where dining is a total artistic experience: Animator's Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumiére's (Disney Magic), and Triton's (Disney Wonder).

Each evening of the cruise, guests will rotate to one of the three restaurants and dine with the same table guests and servers.

20. What Time Is Dinner?

Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You should inform us 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 the supervised programs during the dinner hour. Times subject to change.

21. What Should I Wear To Dinner?

The attire in Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay is casual - open-collar shirts and slacks for men and pants and a blouse or a casual dress for ladies. In Lumiére's, Triton's and Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening. We request that swimsuits not be worn in the dining rooms. During the Seven-Night Caribbean Cruise, one special evening dinner requires more formal or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance.

22. Is There a Romantic Restaurant just for adults?

The ship features an adult-only alternative restaurant called Palo. Dining hours for Palo are 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Reservations are required, and taken (once on board) on a first-come first-served basis. Palo dining is limited to guests 18 and older. There is a service charge of $10 per guest for gratuities.

23. What About Breakfast and Lunch?

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

24. 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 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., 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 2-bedroom or 1-bedroom suites, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. with the exclusion of disembarkation morning.

25. I'm on a special diet. Can I get it on board?

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

26. What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?

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

27. What is the policy for charging for beverages?

During meals, our restaurants onboard serve complimentary coffee, tea, soda, milk and fruit juice with your meal. A variety of other beverages are also available and can be charged to your stateroom account. The following chart indicates which beverages are available onboard ship and on Castaway Cay and which incur a charge.

In Ports-of-Call

28. How long do we stay in port?

Lengths vary, but in general you dock for a half day to a full day.

29. How do I get on and off the ship when it docks at ports?

At most destinations, the ship docks right at the port. At some, the ship anchors offshore and then you "tender," meaning smaller boats take you from your Disney ship to the dock. At Castaway Cay, the ship docks right at the island, so you can get on and off at your convenience.

Security guidelines require all adult Guests to show a picture I.D. and their Key to the World card to embark and disembark the ship in all ports, including Castaway Cay. Anyone under the age of 18 wishing to go ashore unaccompanied will be required to have a consenting parent, guardian or other responsible adult with them at the gangway, to provide a signature as authorization.

30. Do I have to book excursions in advance?

We do recommend you book excursions in advance. Once onboard, excursions can be booked at the Shore Excursion Desk on Deck 3.

31. Are meals served on excursions?

Meals are served on some excursions. Check the details of your excursion at the time of booking.

32. Are there things to do on shore if I'm not on an excursion?

The ports have many exciting activities you can undertake on your own — from beach outings to shopping to touring. Excursions are, however, a convenient way to experience the ports. Be sure to watch your in-stateroom TV for specific excursion information the day before you arrive at each port.

33. Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Bahamas?

Each Guest returning from the Bahamas to the U.S. can bring back up to a total of U.S. $800 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price). Each Guest 21 and older is limited to 2 liters of alcohol, of which 1 liter must be produced in the Bahamas and Guests 18 and older are limited to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

34. Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Western Caribbean?

The exemption for each Guest returning from the Western Caribbean to the U.S. is a total of U.S. $800 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price) from Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay. Each Guest 21 and older may acquire 1 liter of alcohol and Guests 18 and older are limited to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

35. Are there limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise that I may bring into the U.S. from the Eastern Caribbean?

Each Guest returning from the Eastern Caribbean to the U.S. can bring back up to a total of U.S. $1,200 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price). However, no more than $800 in combined purchases can be made on board the ship, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay. Or, the entire U.S. $1,200 exemption may be used on purchases from St. Thomas alone. Each Guest 21 and older is limited to 5 liters of alcohol (only 1 liter can be acquired in St. Maarten or on the ship, with an additional 4 liters being exempt if purchased on St. Thomas, provided at least 1 liter is produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each Guest 18 and older is limited to 5 cartons of cigarettes (only 1 carton can be acquired in St. Maarten or on the ship, with an additional 4 cartons being exempted if purchased on St. Thomas) and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

36. How do I declare purchases with U.S. Customs?

All Guests (one per family) must complete a U.S. Customs Declaration Form to submit to U.S. Customs. Those Guests (one per family) that have exceeded the Customs allowance are required to submit a completed U.S. Customs Declaration Form to Customs in Diversions (Disney Wonder® and Disney Magic®) prior to debarkation. Specific times and any changes to locations will be delivered to your stateroom the night before debarkation. Customs Declaration Forms are also available in different languages at the Guest Services Desk located on Deck 3, Midship. You will be subject to additional fines if you fail to declare purchases over the Customs allowance. U.S. Customs will continue to make random inspections in the luggage hall area. These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

37. Are duty-free third-party deliveries allowed in ports of call?

The security of the Guests, crew and ship is our highest priority at Disney Cruise Line®. As a result, third-party deliveries are prohibited in our ports of call. Guests are welcome to return to the ship with purchases made in port as long as those items can be examined by ship security upon boarding.

Services and Amenities

38. Do I need an electrical converter?

All stateroom outlets are 110V/60 Hz. Standard U.S. electrical appliances will work on board. There's a hair dryer in every stateroom bathroom.

39. What if I run out of film?

You won't because you can buy film at our merchandise shop, Mickey's Mates, which also offers 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. Our photographers will wander the ship, putting your fun and excitement on film. You'll find their photos displayed for purchase at the photo shop.

40. 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 someone forgets their toothpaste or bathing suits - we've got that, too! All this, and much more, is available at the duty-free and retail shops of Disney Cruise Line®.

41. Did you say there's a spa on the ship? Ahhh! Lead me to it!

Disney Cruise Line® offers one of the 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.

42. 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, dryers, detergent and ironing equipment. For safety reasons, irons or steamers may be used in the laundry room only.

43. Can I bring visitors on board the ship?

Sorry, but for security and safety reasons, Disney Cruise Line® cannot allow any visitors aboard.

44. Help! I'm really confused about tipping!?

We'll make it easy. Of course, you should never feel that a reward is automatically expected from you. But it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of service, which you will most likely be treated to in abundance aboard the ship. As a guideline, may we suggest the following:

For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your room charge.

At the Walt Disney World® Resort, 15% is the customary gratuity at restaurants and bars.

45. 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®!!

46. What about babysitting?

Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks-3 years old in Flounder's Reef Nursery, located on Deck 5, Midship. Guests must sign up their children between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on embarkation day. There is a fee of $6 per child per hour, and $5 per additional child per hour, 2-hour minimum required. The facility is open for select hours every day. Rates and times subject to change. Space is limited. Services are subject to availability. Please note that strollers are available for rental on board the ships and on Castaway Cay.

Guests with Disabilities

47. Are there wheelchair-accessible staterooms available?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line® offers accessible staterooms and suites, equipped for Guests with disabilities. Features include ramped bathroom thresholds, open bed frames, added phones in the bathroom/nightstand, bathroom and shower handrails, fold-down shower seats, hand-held shower heads, lowered towel and closet bars, and Emergency Call Buttons. All staterooms are non-smoking.

Please note: Guests requiring a wheelchair throughout their cruise must make provisions for the use of that wheelchair prior to the cruise.

48. What other services are available on board for Guests with disabilities?

Transfer tiers are provided at one of our feature pools. Sand wheelchairs are available at Castaway Cay. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available in the shipboard common areas. Assistive Listening Systems are available in the main theaters and show rooms. Closed captioning is available for stateroom televisions and selected onboard video monitors. American Sign Language interpretation is available for live performances on designated cruise dates. Stateroom Communication Kits containing door knock and phone alerts, phone amplifier, bed shaker notification, a strobe light smoke detector and a Text Typewriter (TTY) are available.

49. How can I receive more information about accommodations for Guests with disabilities?

If you would like to receive additional information or request accommodations for Guests with disabilities, please discuss your needs with the reservationist at the time of booking. For information via TTY, please call (407) 566-7455.†