Disney Cruise Line - FAQ - Disney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line - FAQ

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 the Disney Cruise Vacations 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.

What's already included in the basic price?
On board, your vacation package price includes almost everything - from your stateroom itself to snacks
and ice cream, to breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. All the onboard programming and entertainment
are included. While you're sailing, there are only a few things that will require an additional charge; for
example: spa or salon visits, phone calls, photos, video games, internet usage, soft drinks (other than
those served with breakfast, lunch or dinner) and all alcoholic beverages. If you're not sure whether
something is included, just call us or ask your Travel Agent.

Should I buy travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend the purchase of 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. For more information on Vacation
Insurance click here.

What documentation do I need to bring?
All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid passport, original, state-
certified birth certificate and picture identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with a picture
identification. Acceptable forms of picture identification are state or provincial driver's license, or federal,
state, province or local government photo I.D. card. Guests age 17 and under who are U.S. or Canadian
citizens are only required to have proof of citizenship, excluding picture identification. These guidelines are
based on U.S. government regulations which are subject to change at any time. It is the Guest's
responsibility to check with their Travel Agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates prior to
their vacation to ensure that they have proper documentation. Any Guest traveling without proper
documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise fare will be issued.

New security guidelines require all adult Guests to show a picture I.D. to embark and disembark the
ship in all ports, including Castaway Cay. Please be advised that 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 their signature as authorization.

What if I'm not from the U.S. or Canada?
All Guests who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must have valid passports and necessary visas at time of
embarkation. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest.
Please consult with your Travel Agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates to determine
necessary documentary requirements. For all non-U.S. citizens, including Canadian citizens, travel
documents will be collected at check-in by a Disney Cruise Line representative and a receipt will be issued
for presentation to Immigration Inspectors upon return to Port Canaveral. Any Guest traveling without
proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise fare will be issued.

Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign currency?
You won't really need cash on the Disney ships, but when you get to port, you'll probably want to have some
money with you. In the Bahamas and the Caribbean, U.S. dollars and major credit cards are accepted
almost everywhere. On board our ships, all transactions are in U.S. dollars. However, you won't need cash
while we're at sea 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 (Visa®,
MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover® Card, Diners Club®, Japanese Credit Bureau or Disney's
Visa® 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 or 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, travelers checks, Disney Dollars or by the credit cards mentioned
above.

What should I pack?
Pack for comfort. Pack for style. Disney Cruise Line® and Walt Disney World® Resort 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 boat shoes, sandals, or sneakers. And don't forget swimwear, sunglasses, a sunhat or visor
and sunscreen - especially for the kids. All cruises host a tropical deck party. You are invited to join in the
fun by wearing festive island wear including colorful shirts, dresses, shorts or pants. Other things to
remember: It is recommended that necessary items including: proof of citizenship, valuables, medications
(in their original containers), and any other personal items or other items required for check-in or
embarkation be packed in your day bag. Don't forget an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and your
camera. A limited number of strollers are available for rental on board. Of course, if you do forget
something, odds are you can buy it on board or when we get to port.

What do I bring for evenings?
Let's talk about dinner clothes: We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our
restaurants in the evening. 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 Lumière's and Triton's restaurants and our adults-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. Aboard our 7-night cruises, one dinner is semi-formal. Another evening
requires more formal - or "black-tie-optional"- attire. Tuxedo rentals are available, in advance. Other themed
evenings aboard our 7-night cruises that adults might want to pack for include salutes to the 1960s, 1970s
and 1980s.

Are children expected to follow the same dress code as adults?
Each parent or guardian would be the best judge of what attire is appropriate for our youngest cruisers.
Guests who are age 13 or older would probably be most comfortable wearing attire similar to what is
recommended above for all the ship's passengers.

Can coolers and/or food items be brought 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 snack 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.

I have family and/or friends sailing with Disney Cruise Line. How can I contact them?
To communicate with guests staying aboard the Disney Magic® or the Disney Wonder®, call (888) 322-
8732.†

What are the driving directions to Port Canaveral?
From the Walt Disney World® Resort:
Take State Road 536 East which leads directly to the 417 (Greenway). Follow the 417 to State Road 528
(Beeline Expressway). Go east on State Road 528. At the fork in the road, veer right to stay on State Road
528. Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road
401 which will loop and head north over the channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the
directional signs to Cruise Terminal A.
State Road 417 and State Road 528 are toll roads.

From Orlando International Airport:
Take State Road 528 east (Beeline Expressway). Continue on State Road 528 over the Indian River and
the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401, which will loop and head north over the channel locks.
Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the signs to Cruise Terminal A.
State Road 528 is a toll road.

From North Florida:
From I-95 South take Exit #205 for State Road 528 East (Beeline Expressway). Continue over the Indian
River and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401 which will loop and head north over the
channel locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the directional signs to Cruise Terminal A.
State Road 528 is a toll road.

From South Florida:
From I-95 take Exit #205 East for State Road 528 East (Beeline Expressway. Continue over the Indian River
and the Banana River. Turn right onto State Road 401 which will loop and head north over the channel
locks. Stay in the right-hand lane and follow the directional signs to Cruise Terminal A.
State Road 528 is a toll road.

Can I park at Port Canaveral?
The parking facility is operated by the Canaveral Port Authority. Cash, MasterCard® and Visa® are the only
acceptable forms of payment. Personal checks will not be accepted. Outdoor parking at the pier is $30 for
the 3-Night Cruise, $40 for the 4-Night Cruise, and $70 for the 7-Night Cruise. Rates are subject to change.

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 (800) 951-3532.†

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.

Is there laundry service?
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.

Can I bring visitors on board the ship?
Sorry, but for security and safety reasons, we can't allow any visitors aboard.

Does the ship provide religious services?
During certain religious holidays, an onboard Rabbi or Priest performs services.

At Sea

There's so much to do on the ship! How will I know what's going on when?
Simple. It's called your Personal Navigator and it's a complete listing of all activities, adventures and
entertainment on-board. You'll find one upon arrival in your stateroom and each day of your cruise. Guest
Services located on Deck 3, Midship, will be happy to assist you, should you need additional help planning
your itinerary for this one-of-a-kind voyage.

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.

Will I 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 - on Disney Cruise Line!

Can all children participate in kids' programming?
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 or older and potty trained in order to participate. Children must
be able to interact comfortably within our counselor-to-child ratios 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. We are unable to provide one-on-one
care. A child who becomes disruptive within the group may be excluded from participation. Parents sign
their children (ages 3-12) 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.

Is it true that children must be toilet-trained in order to enter the pools?
Yes. 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. Young children, who are not toilet trained, are
welcome to enjoy the fountain play area near the Mickey Pool that has been designed exclusively for the
enjoyment of children wearing swim diapers.

Is there babysitting?
Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks to 3 years old in Flounder's Reef Nursery, located on
Deck 5, Midship. Guests must sign up their children 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.

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. 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. Please keep in mind that a child who shows symptoms 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. For your peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies, we recommend the
purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacations Protection Plan for costs incurred for treatment and medical
evaluation/repatriation.

Will I be able to use my calling card's 1-800 number on the ship?
Unfortunately, it's not possible to dial any 800 numbers from the ship. However, both United States and
International calls can be dialed directly from the ship for an additional charge.

Where can I smoke onboard?
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas of the ship. Guests are allowed to smoke on open decks
(except near the Mickey pool) and on the verandah of their stateroom. Inside, smoking is permitted within
Sessions and Rockin' Bar D in the Beat Street entertainment district on the Disney Magic® and within
WaveBands and The Cadillac Lounge in the Route 66 entertainment district on the Disney Wonder®.

Dining Onboard

Is there something unique about dining on a Disney cruise?
There sure is. In addition to famous Disney service, only Disney Cruise Line® features spectacular main
restaurants where dining is a total artistic experience: Animator's Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumière's (Disney
Magic®), and Triton's (Disney Wonder®). Each evening, Guests rotate to one of the three restaurants and
dine with the same table Guests and servers. You can also enjoy a variety of convenient meals and snacks
poolside during the day or grab a bite for lunch at our tasty buffet restaurant.

When is dinner?
Each night, there are two separate seatings for dinner, 6 p.m. and 8:30. When you book your vacation, be
sure to inform your Travel Agent of whether you prefer an early or late seating. However, we regret that
requested seating times cannot be 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.

What should I wear to dinner?
For more specific suggestions, look under "What do I bring for evenings?" The attire for Animator's Palate
and Parrot Cay is casual. Lumière's, Triton's and Palo are more formal. We kindly request that no shorts,
swimsuits, T-shirts or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening.

Is there a romantic restaurant just for adults?
The ship features an adults-only alternative restaurant called Palo. Dining hours for Palo are 6:00 p.m. - 11:
00 p.m. Required reservations, taken once on board, are on a first-come first-served basis. Palo dining is
limited to Guests 18 and older. The Palo Dining Option is $10 per Guest for dinner.

What about breakfast and lunch?
Breakfast and lunch are served in Parrot Cay, Lumière's, and Triton's. And there's an indoor/outdoor buffet
or casual poolside dining during breakfast and lunch. Check your Personal Navigator daily, while on-board
for specific hours of operation for all our great dining locations.

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 the 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.

What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?
The drinking age aboard ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to
refuse sale and/or service to anyone.

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 - 10 a.m., complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to your
stateroom upon request, with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. For Guests occupying Category 1,
2, and 3 staterooms, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7 - 10 a.m., with the exclusion of
disembarkation morning.

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.

Ports of Call

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 Magic®) or Barrel of Laughs
(Disney Wonder®) 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, Mid-Ship. 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.

Are duty-free third-party deliveries allowed in ports of call?
The security of our 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. For those guests
specifically interested in purchasing duty-free Tortuga Rum, it is available at the Up Beat shop aboard the
Disney Magic

Services & Amenities

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.

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

Is there a photographer on board?
Don't feel pressured to keep your camera handy. Photographers wander the ship, putting your fun and
excitement on film every day. You'll find your photos displayed for purchase at Shutters, our on-board photo
store.

Is there onboard shopping?
Lots! You'll have the opportunity to get 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 forgot their toothpaste or bathing suit - we've got that too! You'll even find duty-free items right on
board.

What about the swimming pools?
There are three great Guest pools on board. The largest invites families to play together. Another is a quiet
getaway exclusively for those over 18. And finally, the whimsical Mickey's Pool is reserved just for the little
ones. There are no lifeguards permanently stationed at the pools, so kids should only swim with parental
supervision. Spas near the pools are available for the use of Guests over the age of 16 only. The U.S.
Public Health Service requires that all children be toilet trained before entering shipboard pools and spas.
Young children who are not toilet trained are welcome to enjoy the fountain play area near Mickey's Pool
designed exclusively for the enjoyment of children wearing swim diapers.

What kind of services does the Spa offer?
Disney Cruise Line offers an elaborate spa and fitness center at sea, with programs ranging from a simple
facial to an indulgent array of full-body treatments. Spa, hair salon, massage and beauty shop charges are
additional and may be charged to your room.

What about gratuities?
We'll make it easy. 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.

Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon or other special occasion, please have
your Travel Agent advise us of such occasions at least three weeks prior to departure. We will be happy to
celebrate the occasion in our dining rooms. We also offer a great variety of fun-filled baskets, merchandise
and other goodies that will get your cruise off to a perfect start.

Disney Cruise Line also offers special packages to add even more fun to your vacation. Whether you're
traveling with extended family or a romantic getaway for two, you can add-on extra benefits like amenities,
recreation and merchandise to your 3-, 4- or 7-night cruise.

We'd love to have a Disney wedding -- how do we arrange it?
Congratulations -- you couldn't pick a more perfect way to celebrate your marriage or renew your vows! To
speak with a professional Disney wedding consultant call (866) 212-9702. They'll help you make your
wedding dreams come true.

Guests with Disabilities

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.

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

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.

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.

Per Guest Per Cruise	3-Night	4-Night	7-Night
Dining Room Server	$11.00	$14.75	$25.75
Dining Room Asst. Server	$8.00	$10.75	$18.75
Dining Room Head Server	$2.75	$3.75	$6.50
Stateroom Host/Hostess	$10.75	$14.50	$25.25
Dining Room Manager	Your Discretion
Room Service	Your Discretion