Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is celebrating a big year in 2023 for the brand’s 25th anniversary, and special sailings begin in earnest in May. And then in 2024, DCL — as well as Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions — are preparing a whole bunch of new itineraries. Here’s an overview of what to expect from Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea
It was back in July 1998 that the Disney Cruise Line set sail with its first vessel — Disney Magic. The moment will be commemorated with “Silver Anniversary at Sea” events and merchandise starting this May and continuing into September.
“For two-and-a-half decades, Disney Cruise Line has built an incredible legacy of creating unforgettable vacation memories for families around the world,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “Of course, at the heart of this anniversary celebration are our dedicated cast and crew members who continuously deliver legendary service and create magic at sea for our guests every day. Whether returning as a member of our Castaway Club or sailing with us for the first time, we are thrilled to invite guests of all ages to be a part of our very special anniversary festivities next summer.”
During the celebration, guests can expect the following on all five ships (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder) sailing in Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Europe for the summer of 2023:
- Captain Minnie Mouse and Captain Mickey Mouse, in addition to other characters, wearing new multi-toned duds inspired by ocean waves
- A commemorative song with an “uplifting new melody” just for the celebration to be featured in multiple ways onboard
- Fresh family entertainment and activities including exclusive evening experiences
- A variety of themed culinary treats such as magical desserts and unique craft cocktails
- The Shimmering Seas Collection of signature merchandise “inspired by the magical glow of sunshine reflecting upon turquoise waters” that includes apparel, accessories, drinkware, souvenirs and more
What’s more, for 2023, a new membership tier will be coming to the Castaway Club. Pearl status will be bestowed upon guests with 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations under their belt in honor of the 25th anniversary. Benefits for this new tier will be announced in the near future.
Disney Cruise Line Itineraries in 2024
In 2024, Disney Cruise Line is set to reprise its Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea themed sailings, as well as departures from California, Florida, Texas and Louisiana.
In January and February 2024, daylong celebrations of “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles,” “Finding Nemo” and more will take place on weeklong Caribbean cruises aboard Disney Fantasy. And in January through March 2024, all things Marvel and Marvel characters like Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shuri, Okoye and Scarlet Witch will be featured on Disney Dream’s five-night Caribbean voyages.
Also in early 2024, Disney Dream will be based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the latest Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida. And of course, all trips from Florida will showcase Disney’s private island of Castaway Cay.
Disney Magic on the other hand will start off in Galveston, Texas (and again in March and April) and return to New Orleans, Louisiana in February.
And last but not least, Disney Wonder will depart from San Diego, California beginning in March following the ship’s maiden season in Australia and New Zealand.
Adventures by Disney in 2024
Alternatively with Adventures by Disney, there are another 22 river cruises scheduled for 2024 including a new “Danube River Cruise: Magical Holidays” itinerary. Altogether, Disney guests will have the chance to sail on the Danube River, Rhine River and Seine River.
The aforementioned “Magical Holidays” voyage will specifically commence in late December 2024 to extend into and inaugurate New Year’s Day, departing from Munich, Germany complete with an oompah music sendoff. Destinations will then stretch to Austria and the famed Austrian Alps and Benedictine Abbey in Melk. The Schonbrunn Christmas market will also be transformed into a festive New Year’s market. Guests can further anticipate ice skating in Vienna and carriage rides and goulash making and eating in Hungary.
Other river sailings will further feature Oktoberfest, additional Christmas markets and special “Food and Wine” offerings.
National Geographic Expeditions in 2024
For even more adventure, there will be a trio of National Geographic Expeditions along the Danube River, Rhine River and waterways of Holland and Belgium in collaboration with AmaWaterways like the Adventures by Disney above. Voyages highlight a National Geographic Expert and a National Geographic Photography Expert onboard each sailing.
The 2024 lineup as described by Disney is as follows:
- Holland and Belgium in Springtime by River Cruise (April 15): This art, floral and architecture-focused departure sends travelers on a journey through the iconic waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands, with stops at the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, a Floralia flower show at a historic Belgian castle and the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.
- Rhine River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam (Sept. 12): Offering bike rides, walking excursions and even tasting tours, this itinerary explores the romance and timelessness of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a taste of Germany’s Rheingau wine region, and photographers will learn from the National Geographic Photography Expert during a special on-deck photo workshop to capture images of the scenic Rhine Gorge.
- Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise (Dec. 7): This sailing invites cruise passengers to explore charming Christmas markets from Budapest to Nurem Travelers will also discover lesser-known holiday marketplaces within Vienna and Salzburg and visit Vienna’s Museum of Natural History. There, visitors will meet with National Geographic Explorer Ludovic Ferriere for a behind-the-scenes look at the meteorite exhibit he curated.
More Disney Cruise Line Stories
Want more info about Disney Cruise Line? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the other stories you may enjoy:
Disney Cruise News: Surprise Ship Acquisition, More Marvel, Holidays at Sea and More!
D23 Expo: Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Revealed, New Destinations, and Lighthouse Point Update
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Let’s Hear From You
With a whole lineup of exciting vacation options from Disney, there’s something for everyone. Will you be a member of the brand-new Pearl status of the Disney Cruise Line? Does an Adventures by Disney European river cruise pique your interest? How about taking a cruise with a National Geographic expert? Share your thoughts below!
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