Cruise ship stateroom with a queen bed, themed wall art, seating area, and a round porthole window overlooking the ocean.
  • On Aug 1, 2026
    Sharon from IL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    How do I choose which ship to book my vacation on? Is there a chart listing the differences between ships?

    Hey there, Sharon! Welcome aboard planDisney! This is a fabulous question, and I’m happy to help steer you in the right direction!  

    Let me start by saying that you can’t go wrong with any ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet! When it comes to charting your course, I always recommend starting with the destination. Since every ship offers a magical experience, the easiest way to narrow your options is to decide where you want to go and what time of year you’d like to sail. Disney’s ships are typically assigned to specific regions and itineraries, so not every ship visits every destination.

    I love the warm waters, swaying palm trees, and white sand beaches of the Caribbean, so I’m always excited to sail to Disney’s private island destinations, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Depending on the time of year, the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny all offer itineraries that include these tropical ports of call. The Magic, Dream, and Fantasy are part of Disney’s original fleet and feature beautifully refreshed staterooms with classic nautical touches. The newer ships bring favorite Disney stories to life with themes inspired by films like Frozen, The Princess and the Frog, Aladdin, and Jungle Cruise.

    If Elsa is calling your name, and the idea of bundling up in the summer while sailing past majestic glaciers sounds practically perfect, then the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic could be a great fit! See what I mean about timing and destination? Some ships pull double duty throughout the year, repositioning as seasons change. As two of the smaller ships in the fleet, the Wonder and Magic are especially well-suited for navigating Alaska’s breathtaking passages. You’ll also find unique enrichment opportunities onboard, including nature presentations and informative talks that help you make the most of the incredible scenery.

    Once you’ve explored Disney’s cruise destinations and found an itinerary that makes your heart set sail, it becomes much easier to narrow down your ship options. After you’ve chosen the where, you can focus on the how you’d like to get there! The Disney Cruise Line website is a treasure chest of information about each ship, including amenities, entertainment, and stateroom categories. One of my favorite tools is the interactive deck plans. I’m sailing aboard the Disney Treasure to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Castaway Cay this January, and I used the deck plans tool to find the perfect location for my stateroom. It made it easy to see which dining venues, entertainment spaces, and onboard activities were nearby before I booked.

    Sharon, I know that’s a lot of information to take on board! Once you’ve chosen your destination and sailing season, we’d love to help you narrow down the perfect ship for your crew. So drop anchor and come back to see us anytime. We’re happy to help!

    Bon Voyage!
    Kimberly
thumbnail image for Kimberly

Meet the Panelist: Kimberly, Colorado

Hi there, friend! I’m Kimberly from beautiful Colorado, where I serve as an Assistant City Manager for a mountain municipality. I love connecting with others, finding magic in everyday life, and helping families make their own unforgettable memories. Think of me as your friendly guide on this Disney adventure, because every great trip starts with a little pixie-dusted planning. I can’t wait to help you with yours! Learn More About Kimberly

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