For the moment, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is on hold, as sailing suspensions now run through March: specifically Disney Fantasy through March 27, Disney Wonder through March 28 and Disney Dream and Disney Magic through March 29 (at the very least).

However, there is still a bright future on the horizon that not only includes the eventual return of DCL in 2021 and the new Disney Wish coming online in summer 2022, but also fresh DCL ocean cruises and river and even expedition cruises from Adventures by Disney.

Next Ocean Cruises

While it’s not entirely clear what will become of Disney cruises in summer 2021, the original plan was for the Disney Wonder to head to Alaska and the Disney Magic to return to Europe while the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy covered the Caribbean.

All four Disney ships were recently spotted together in Brest, France at the Damen shipyard, where they were dry-docked and refurbished during the downturn. (What onboard surprises — if any, besides routine maintenance — that resulted remain to be seen.)  Currently, the Magic is still in Europe while the other three are back in and around Port Canaveral, Florida.

By the way, if you ever want to track the ships’ exact whereabouts, CruiseMapper is a fine place to do so.

, Disney to Set Sail for Adventure by Ocean, River and Points Exotic

Disney Cruise Line Fall/Winter 2021 Schedule

With uncertainty for the near future, we can look to DCL’s more hopeful schedule for fall/winter 2021. From Port Canaveral, the Dream is slated for its usual alternation of three- and four-night sailings to the Caribbean and Castaway Cay, and the Fantasy is ready for its weeklong Western and Eastern Caribbean variants. Meanwhile, Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian sailings and five- and six-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida in early November.

Beforehand, Magic is on the calendar for a total of five special cruises to Bermuda, plus one to Canada and another to Puerto Rico, all from New York in September and October. And on the opposite coast, Wonder is scheduled for Mexican Riviera departures from San Diego, California in October and Bahamas and Caribbean routes from Galveston, Texas in November.

, Disney to Set Sail for Adventure by Ocean, River and Points Exotic
Disney Wish Rendering (Disney Cruise Line)

A Disney Wish for 2022

Then in early 2022, the Wonder will set sail from Galveston and New Orleans, Louisiana to the Caribbean and again from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera (March and April). This is before Wonder’s return to Hawaii for two cruises to and from Honolulu — one from Vancouver, Canada on April 26 and a second to Vancouver on May 6.

Elsewhere, the Dream, Fantasy and Magic will be back to their regular runs in the Caribbean from Florida, which can be easily paired with a visit to Walt Disney World. 

Then, come summer of 2022, the brand new Disney Wish will be introduced. Still not much is known about the ship at this time, but Disney did recently unveil a teaser video showcasing the Grand Hall central atrium complete with Cinderella in graceful statue form.

Adventures by Disney River and Expedition Cruises

Adventures by Disney (ABD) plans to continue its river cruises along the Danube, Rhine and Seine with AmaWaterways in 2022, and new National Geographic Photography Sailings will make up a portion. Photo-specific tours will even feature National Geographic photographers.

But the big news from Adventures by Disney is its entry into family-friendly expedition cruises. Much like its partnership with AmaWaterways, ABD will charter ships to explore both Antarctica starting in late 2021 and the Galapagos Islands in 2022.

, Disney to Set Sail for Adventure by Ocean, River and Points Exotic
Daily Boat Excursions (PONANT/Olivier Blaud, photographer)

In partnership with Ponant, there will be two 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises.

Disney describes the experience as follows:

“Following an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the adventure begins at the southernmost tip of Argentine Patagonia, where guests will visit the resort town of Ushuaia, take a scenic train ride and explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, travel by catamaran through the Beagle Channel and visit the historical settlement, Estancia Harberton.

, Disney to Set Sail for Adventure by Ocean, River and Points Exotic
Sailing with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions, the Adventures by Disney Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise will take families to remote landscapes of the White Continent. Two departures are available, with sailings scheduled aboard Le Boreal on Dec. 21, 2021, and Le Lyrial on Jan. 31, 2022. (PONANT/Olivier Blaud, photographer)

“After navigating through the Drake Passage, the journey continues in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Antarctica, where each day brings a new adventure. Guests will embark on daily boat excursions and hike along the continent’s shorelines, catching glimpses of native wildlife like seabirds, penguins and seals in their natural habitat. With offshore activities defined by nature, every wildlife viewing will be unique to the sailing.”

An additional pre-cruise option is a three-night Buenos Aires Escape in Argentina’s capital.

, Disney to Set Sail for Adventure by Ocean, River and Points Exotic
Galapagos Legend (Adventures by Disney)

Or aboard the Galapagos Legend, families can partake in one of ABD’s three Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise routes as outlined by Disney:

Departing Feb. 9, the north and south Galapagos itinerary includes excursions to the islands of San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santa Fe.

Departing March 6, July 10 and Aug. 7, the south and east Galapagos itinerary includes excursions to the islands of South Plaza, North Seymour, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana and Santa Cruz.

Departing Dec. 18, the north and west Galapagos itinerary includes excursions to the islands of Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Mosquera, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela and Fernandina.

, Disney to Set Sail for Adventure by Ocean, River and Points Exotic
Snorkeling in the Galapagos (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

Altogether, Adventures by Disney’s focus on each of its expedition cruises will be family explorations led by dedicated Adventure Guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Special presentations and, of course, stories will abound as will wildlife, conservation and travel photography workshops on select sailings.


Set Sail For Adventure

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Let’s Hear From You

What do you think? Are you excited to get cruising again with Disney, either on an ocean, river or expedition voyage? Let us know what your hopes are for Disney’s newest ship, what destinations you are most interested in, and if you’d enjoy a trip to the Galapagos or Antarctica. 

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Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a dedicated Disney fanboy and cruise travel journalist with over 175 sailings under his belt and a fresh, youthful perspective on the cruise industry. He has been cruising – and more importantly, visiting Disneyland – since before he was even two years old thanks to his parents’ shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. He now explores the world with his beautiful wife and fellow Disney aficionado Heidi by his side. Jason is the founding editor of PopularCruising.com and regular producer of videos for the Popular Cruising YouTube channel, as well as cruise editor at TravelAge West. He also contributes to Cruise Critic and Porthole magazine. You can follow him at the following social media networks: YouTube, TwitterFacebook, Instagram