Return to Cruising Ship Guide: Disney Dream

By Brooke Franco

Disney Dream - *Photo by Disney Cruise Line*

**When is Disney Dream slated to resume operations?**

Disney Cruise Line will officially resume sailing this summer as the Disney Dream returns to the Caribbean. Beginning August 9, Disney Dream will sail roundtrip from Port Canaveral offering 3- and 4- night voyages to Nassau (Bahamas) and the line’s private island Castaway Cay. Note, Disney Dream will substitute a stop in Nassau for an extra day at Castaway Cay for all sailings from September 13 - October 4, 2021.

Beginning September 3 until November 1, 2021, the Bahamas will require that all cruise ship passengers ages 12 and older be fully vaccinated in order for a ship to be allowed entry into any of its cruise ports, including private islands like Disney Castaway Cay. To comply with this new requirement, all Guests ages 12 and older on upcoming sailings must be fully vaccinated to board the ship. Guests under the age of 12 will be required to provide proof of a negative lab-based COVID-19 PCR test taken between 5 days - 24 hours prior to the sail date by uploading their test results to the line's Safe Passage Inspire website. They will also be required to undergo a second COVID-19 PCR test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal prior to boarding.

**Cruising on Disney Dream? Here’s our guide to everything you need to know before you board.**

About the Ship: Disney storytelling meets luxury cruising on the Disney Dream. Onboard you will find a range of activities, eateries, entertainment options, and programs that are sure to please everyone from the youngest sailors all the way up to the young at heart. If you're planning on cruising with Disney, it should come as no surprise that Dream is a family-friendly ship. From kid-pleasing touches from ship-wide interactive artwork to princess-themed dining, this vessel was designed to appeal to young cruisers and their families. The ship does offer a number of adults-only spaces for those looking to spend some time relaxing.

At full capacity (prior to any COVID restrictions) this extra-large ship can accommodate up to 4,000 total passengers and offers 1,250 cabins.

5 Essential Tips for Sailing Disney Dream

Activities + Entertainment: Anyone ages 0 - 100+ is certain to find something to do on the Disney Dream. One of the largest highlights of sailing with Disney is the numerous opportunities for character meet and greets with Mickey, Minney, and the gang. Other awesome activities onboard include top-notch kids and teens programming, the AquaDuck water coaster, numerous pools, shops, the Senses Spa and fitness center, as well as adults-only lounges, restaurants, and pool area.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its spectacular entertainment, bringing animated classics to life through live performances. Highlights on the Dream include full-scale stage productions of Beauty and the Beast and The Golden Mickeys at the ship’s Walt Disney Theater.

Explore All Activities on Disney Dream

Dining: In a unique twist to onboard dining, Disney cruisers are assigned a waiter at the beginning of their sailing. Passengers and crew are then rotated through the ship's three themed main dining areas during the cruise, making it easy to experience the ship’s different dining experiences.

Disney Dream dining experiences include the underwater world of Animator's Palate, the Versailles-inspired Enchanted Garden, and Royal Palace, the ship's homage to Disney princesses. For passengers looking for a more casual venue, the Cabanas food court includes a traditional buffet with indoor and outdoor seating. All onboard restaurants include comprehensive kids' menu favorites. Adults looking for a night to themselves can head to Remy, serving gourmet French cuisine, or Palo, offering elegant Italian-inspired dishes.

Explore All Disney Dream Dining Venues

Pricing: Sailings are booking up fast with Disney Cruise Line’s official return to cruising in the Caribbean! Right now, you can expect basic accommodations on Disney Dream to start at around $240 per night for basic accommodations. Want a little extra space to spread out? We recommend booking a balcony cabin, which currently starts at $282 per night. We highly suggest booking NOW as prices are likely to only go up!

Find a Deal on a Disney Dream Sailing

What to Expect at Embarkation & Onboard Protocols

For all cruises through Nov. 1, prior to embarkation guests ages 12 and older sailing with Disney Cruise Line must present proof of vaccination. Guests under twelve will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken between 5 days - 24 hours prior to the sail date, as well as undergo a second COVID-19 PCR test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal prior to boarding.

Guided by recommendations from the CDC, Disney Cruise Line is reducing onboard guest capacity as well as incorporating additional health and safety-related measures on all of its ships. While sailing you can expect to find additional hand sanitizer stations, markers for social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, and physical barriers such as plexiglass.

All guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19) are required to wear face masks indoors, except when in their staterooms or actively eating or drinking. Face coverings are not required outdoors while onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay. Masks may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements.

Read All of Disney Cruise Line’s Health and Safety Protocol

Tips from Our Community Members:

Overall the cruise was great. They treated my daughter like a princess for her birthday cruise and I would definitely cruise with Disney again. The staff is great and the service is exceptional. - royaltymore

Top-notch experience with all the Disney magic you'd expect. A premium cruise line that does not disappoint. - kapbuckeye

Just do it! You won’t be disappointed! Plenty of activities for all ages, even adults! We enjoyed the Martini Tasting while the kids were in the KIds Club! - SusuandPapa

We had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the AquaDuck and putt-putt. The shows were amazing. Restaurant food service, buffet and room service were all wonderful. The shows were amazing. - Spiwak

Explore All Disney Dream Reviews

Shore Excursions

With so much to see and do in the Caribbean ports which Disney Dream will visit, be sure to book shore excursions as early as possible. The top-rated excursions by destination are:

Nassau, Bahamas - Discover Nassau Tour, Nassau Rum Tasting, Nassau Walking Food Tour

See All Nassau Shore Excursions

Castaway Cay, Bahamas - Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s own private island in the Bahamas. The island is home to many family-friendly activities featuring the natural beauty of the island, while also incorporating magic and entertainment the way that only Disney knows how to create. The island offers separate adult, family, and sports-focused beaches for sunbathing and activities.

Want to Cruise on Disney Dream in 2021? Explore All Sailings

Booked on Disney Dream? Sign up for a Roll Call

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(Latest Update: August 27, 2021)