We’re in Our Disney Cruise Era — and We’re Leaning All the Way In 🚢

Some seasons of life are Disney parks every chance we get. Some are big trips, small trips, and everything in between.

And apparently… this one is our cruise era.

Before we dive into our cruise plans, one quick note: while this is our first time sailing with Disney Cruise Line, cruising itself is very familiar to me. I’ve cruised before with my husband and have booked many cruises over the years for both our family and for clients, helping them choose the right ship, itinerary, and cruise line for their travel style.

For Lyn and Kim, though, this will be their very first cruise, which naturally brings a first-timer perspective into everything we’re planning and sharing. Knowing how cruising works on paper is one thing, but experiencing how each cruise line actually feels day to day is another. This spring is about bridging that gap — and sharing what we learn along the way.

Between Lyn, Kim, and me, we’ve found ourselves deep in cruise research mode this year, comparing ships, itineraries, dining, embarkation day details, and all the little things you don’t realize matter until you’re trying to picture yourself actually there. And because we can’t do anything halfway, that research turned into notes… which turned into plans… which turned into, well, writing it all down so you don’t have to.

This spring, we have two Disney Cruise Line sailings on the calendar - a short weekend cruise on the Wish to dip our toes in, followed by a week-long Alaskan extravaganza — and we’re approaching them the same way we approach Disney parks: with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a need to understand how things really work, not just how they’re described.

Cruise line websites and AI answers are great for the basics. But they don’t tell you what embarkation day actually feels like, which moments are 1000% worth prioritizing, or which parts might feel quietly overwhelming if you’re not prepared. And they definitely can’t help you figure out how to experience a cruise in a way that fits you — not just what’s technically included.

So we’re documenting it in real time — combining a first-time Disney Cruise Line perspective with lots of questions, careful attention to the details, and a deep care for how travel feels, not just what’s included.

If you’re curious about cruising, planning your first sailing, or just like learning from people who are figuring it out as they go, you’re in the right place. As always, we’re approaching this both as travelers preparing for our first Disney cruise and as planners - paying attention to the details that matter when you’re choosing the right cruise for your family.

Our Cruise Era So Far (Start Here)

While our Disney Cruise Line sailings are just beginning, we’re also sharing lessons from recent Royal Caribbean cruises for comparison.

• 🧭 Deciding on a Cruise Line

  • Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: What’s the same, what’s different, and what surprised us

  🧳 Getting Ready for Your Cruise

  • The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What you’ll actually use (and what you can skip)

  🚢 What Embarkation Day Can Look Like

  • Boarding Day on Royal Caribbean: Our First Sailing on Utopia of the Seas

  🌊 Life Onboard & Days at Sea

  • 15 Relaxing or Romantic Things to Do on The Utopia During a Day at Sea

  • Behind the Waves: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour on Royal Caribbean

  🌴 Ports & Island Days

  • What to Do in Nassau: From classic tourist stops to hidden gems

  • Perfect Day at RCL's CocoCay: Low-key relaxation vs. splashy adventure

🧚‍♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’ve ever thought “I wish someone would just explain this like a real person,” that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here.

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim 🧚‍♀️