Do you have to pay for excursions on a Disney cruise?

A: Port Adventures and other booked onboard activities are charged to a Guest's onboard account. Cancellations can be made up to 3 days prior to the cruise departure date, unless otherwise noted on a specific activity. After that time, all reservations are final and non-refundable.



Yes, you generally must pay an additional fee for shore excursions on a Disney cruise, which are officially called "Port Adventures." While your base cruise fare covers your stateroom, most meals, and onboard entertainment, activities off the ship are considered an add-on. These can range from $50 for a simple shuttle to a beach to over $500 for a private catamaran or helicopter tour. One notable exception occurs at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas: while specialized rentals like jet skis or snorkeling gear cost extra, the beach access, the island buffet lunch, and the "Castaway Cay 5K" are all included in your cruise fare. You can book Port Adventures through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or website as soon as your "booking window" opens, which is determined by your Castaway Club membership level. Booking early is highly recommended, as popular excursions in places like Alaska or Europe tend to sell out months in advance.

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Optional services, items, and activities that may incur a fee beyond your cruise cost include Port Adventures, alcoholic and specialty beverages, spa and salon services, babysitting in the ship's nursery, phone calls, internet packages, souvenirs, and adult dining.

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Not included in base Disney cruise prices, however, are Port Adventures (Disney's shore excursions), shopping, spa and salon services, onboard photography services, nursery babysitting, ship-to-shore phone calls, arcade games, alcoholic beverages and drink packages and adults-only specialty dining at Enchante by Chef ...

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You absolutely do not have to do shore excursions on a cruise. You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.

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The cost of a Disney cruise can vary dramatically based on your needs and sailing preferences. However, you should expect to spend at least $1,000 on a cruise for two passengers. The price goes up from there depending on your cabin selection, trip duration and destination choices, among other options.

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Bottled water and canned sodas are available for purchase in lounges and bars throughout the ship. Specialty coffees and more can be purchased in the Cove Cafe alongside complimentary treats and snacks. You will be able to stay well-hydrated, refreshed, and well-fed throughout your entire sailing!

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You will find that you do not need to bring towels from home, as there are many available poolside, and even at the ready as you step onto Castaway Cay.

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Based on average cruise fares and accounting for inevitable extras, we recommend that a family of four should budget an estimated $10,000 for a Disney cruise vacation. Of course, it can be done for less — and way more. This figure accounts for a five-night sailing at a cruise fare of $300 per person, per day.

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What time is dinner served on board a Disney Cruise? Each night with rotational dining, there are 2 seating times for dinner. For European sailings, the Main Seating begins at 6PM, with the Second Seating beginning at 8:30PM. For USA sailings, the Main Seating begins at 5:45PM, with the Second Seating beginning at 8PM.

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Activities on Cruise Ships Activities That Cost Extra on Cruises: Bingo, casino play, arcade games, escape rooms and golf simulators will all cost you extra on most ships. Additionally, hands-on cooking classes, wine and liquor tastings, and a few other courses require an extra charge outside your fare.

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Drinking water and complimentary soft drinks are also available in Cabanas (or Marceline Market on the Disney Wish) and will be served at dinner in the rotational dining restaurants. If you bring a water bottle, there are water bottle refilling stations for your use on the promenade deck of each vessel.

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Disney Cruise Line is the first major cruise line to provide this complimentary service. Crew members with iOS and Android devices will be able to send and receive text messages while onboard for free. The service will launch today onboard the Disney Magic and will be available fleet wide in the next few weeks.

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The easiest option is to order the water prior to your cruise through Onboard Gifts. Water is available in quantities of 6, 12, and 24, ranging in price from $13.75 - $55.00 (prices subject to change plus tax and gratuity). Pre-purchased water will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive.

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It is recommended to bring around $200 to $500 in cash on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean. And if you don't plan on getting off the ship, then you honestly won't need to bring any money.

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If you are a budget traveler, a 4-night trip to Disney World is much more affordable than a cruise. For those with a bigger budget, the cruise and similar stay at the resort are more comparable in price.

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Restricted Guarantee fares, when offered, are a great way to save if you are flexible about your stateroom location and willing to book “last minute,” usually meaning 21-75 days prior to departure. The savings can be very large, but you won't know your exact stateroom at booking time.

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After the online Pre-Sail, the remaining inventory will be available on the departure day onboard the ship. Due to availability, it is strongly suggested that guests take advantage of ordering their shore excursions in advance, online, in order to avoid disappointment once on board.

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Since the excursion is supposed to only take place within the allotted port time, the ship will wait for passengers coming from a cruise line excursion that's running late. However, if you've spent the day independently on your own, there are certain steps you must take to make sure you're not left stranded.

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