Greetings Diane, I'd like to wish you a most royal welcome to the realm of planDisney!
If there's anything very distinct about enjoying a voyage with Disney Cruise Line, it's the variety of
Character Experiences that seafarers young and seasoned alike can enjoy at sea. Once of the more sought-after offerings is something that some may refer to as the
"Princess Gathering", though we know that sometimes the heroines we eagerly await aren't always actual Princesses and it is more common to see this special experience now listed as the
Royal Gathering on the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Take it from a Prince, it's definitely worthwhile to take the opportunity to meet and greet with any visiting royalty whenever one can - so I'm happy to bestow upon you my best tips and advice from my years observing and attending this on board:
- The Royal Gathering takes place on Deck 3, Midship on the Disney Magic where you'll see stanchions set up and a line forming early on with fellow seafarers watching the visiting royals descend the staircase to await guests in front of Lumiere's.
- The experience is captured by Crew Members from the onboard Shutters Photography team but guests are also welcome to take pictures with their own cameras; there's often a swirl of several costume gowns awaiting their turn in line, so this is definitely a key opportunity to dress for the occasion!
- When it comes to booking an available slot for the Royal Gathering, you may find that specific policies are subject to change and may differ between shoreside-based Cast Members ahead of your voyage and your experience speaking with the Crew Members once you're on board. I spoke with a member of Disney Cruise Line's shoreside team who confirmed that according to the official policy, children who are booked to attend must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who also have their own booking if they are under 8 years of age.
- The onboard experience however may be different and in my personal observations, adults have been allowed to join the children who have been booked, to help hold items to be autographed and take photos with personal devices. If the children are the only ones with reservations by the time that you board, it's always good to double-check for any remaining spaces and speak with Crew Members from the Entertainment Team (typically clad in white) directly to see how policies are currently being enforced as far as who can accompany or join children booked for the Royal Gathering.
There's never any guarantee as to who you'll be able to meet at the Royal Gathering, but you may see some more while you watch Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic and perhaps a special farewell on the final evening of your cruise on certain sailings. While you're venturing around the corridors and decks on the Disney Magic, I highly suggest sticking around Deck 4 for the chance to possibly experience some spontaneous Character sightings along your journey!
Be sure to say hello to my Princess pals for me!
Prince