Mickey and Donald On beach at Castaway Cay; ship in background; family flying with characters
  • On Jun 12, 2025
    Jill from GA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I want to plan a Disney Cruise for next November (2026) but there are no sailings listed yet. How can I start the planning process now?

    Ahoy, Jill!

    Welcome aboard planDisney! I love that you’re already dreaming about a Disney cruise adventure in November 2026—you're speaking my language! Planning early is a fantastic way to get ahead of the tides. Think of it like grabbing your favorite spot on deck before it fills up—it makes everything that follows just a little more relaxing.

    Now, I wish I could bibbidi-bobbidi-boo those future itineraries into your inbox right now, but Disney hasn't released the Fall 2026 sailings just yet. If Captain Minnie keeps steering the ship the way she usually does, we hope to see those itineraries announced sometime this month or possibly in July. That’s based on past release patterns, but keep in mind that plans can shift faster than Crush catching a wave. So until then, let’s talk about what you can do to get ready.

    First up: get those ears to the ground! Make sure you’re signed up for Disney Cruise Line email updates so you’ll be among the first to hear when new itineraries drop. And when they do, the booking process usually opens in tiers. That means if you're a Castaway Club member (based on the number of past cruises you've taken), a Disney Vacation Club Member, or others Disney deems worthy, you might have early booking access. If you’re brand new to cruising with Disney, don’t worry—you’ll still have your turn at the helm during the general booking window.

    Next, let’s talk documentation. If your magical crew will be using passports, double-check that they’re not close to expiring. And if you don’t have them yet, now is a great time to start the process—it can take a while, especially if there's a sudden rush. Depending on the itinerary, some cruises allow U.S. citizens to sail with a government-issued ID and an original (not copied) birth certificate, but a passport is always the most flexible option. I always sail with mine, even when it's not technically required—just in case a Port Adventure turns into a real adventure!

    Here comes the really fun part: dreaming! Here are a few questions to help get you ready to pounce like Simba the second those sailings are released:
    • How many Guests will be joining you, and how many staterooms will you need?
    • Are you thinking Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, or even Concierge accommodations?
    • Do you want to sail on a classic ship like the Magic, or one of the newer gems like the Treasure or Wish?
    • Any bucket list ports of call? (Castaway Cay and the brand-new Lookout Cay are both showstoppers!)
    • Would you prefer to depart from Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, or maybe a different port altogether?

    Even though you can’t book just yet, planning now means you’ll be ready to hit the high seas running once those itineraries are live. I always keep a little list of ideal dates, stateroom categories, and preferred ships—because when it’s go-time, it can feel like trying to snag a seat on Space Mountain during peak hours!

    I hope this helps as you prepare to chart a course for magic, memories, and a little pixie dust at sea. If more questions come up as you prepare to set sail, just send a message in a bottle—or better yet, stop by again. I'm always happy to help a fellow Disney dreamer!

    Sea ya real soon with a June full of sun, sea, and shipshape adventures,
    Dustin
thumbnail image for Dustin

Meet the Panelist: Dustin, Ohio

Ahoy! I’m Dustin, a husband, father of two, and active-duty service member living in Ohio. My crew and I just keep swimming toward our next Disney Cruise Line adventure! From a whole new world of ports to hakuna matata vibes on deck, we live for the magic at sea. Ready to see what’s beyond the reef? Allow me to be your guide as we sail toward your perfect Disney cruise adventure!
Learn More About Dustin

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