Disney’s newest cruise ship, The Disney Wish, set sail on its maiden voyage in June 2022 combining the magic of Disney fairytales with the luxury of being at sea. The itinerary offers three and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Preboarding

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time before your cruise, especially if you are flying. Airlines are having trouble keeping up with the increased number of travelers after the pandemic, so it is recommended to fly at least a day before your cruise in case of flight cancellations or delays. In addition, make sure you review the rules and information about COVID-19 protocols and documents needed for the cruise. 

Once you finally arrive at the port, you are greeted by the magic and wonder that Disney Wish offers.

A Fairytale Cruise

The first sign of your fairytale experience is seen as soon as you board. A statue of Cinderella greets you in the grand hall, along with a beautiful spiral staircase and the elegance of a royal castle that continues to stun you as you travel through the halls. The crew members are so pleasant and ready to direct you as you enter the room and guide you through the ship.

Each floor contains different themes of Disney Princesses, from The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and my personal favorite, Sleeping Beauty. The cabins are on the smaller side and can fit up to five people with built-in beds that can easily be hidden away during the day. I highly recommend splurging for a room with a balcony as it adds so much space and a real vacation vibe to the whole cruise.

Castaway Cay

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a tranquil paradise. The ship arrives while you are sleeping, so when you wake up you are pleasantly surprised to find yourself at the small, beachy island. Castaway Cay is a long beach with lounge chairs galore and a few small buildings offering shops, restaurants and drinks. In addition, you’ll find various water activities to entertain you for the day in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas.

Kids and Teens

Marvel Super Hero Academy

Children ages 3-12 are invited to train with their favorite superheroes. Inside they are treated with the Avenger Headquarters to select their very own super suit and duel villains to unleash their inner hero.

“Star Wars Galactic Creature Keepers” 

The Star Wars Galactic: Creature Keepers is a surreal space modeled from a high-tech cargo bay. Reserved for ages 3-12, kids will have an immersive experience in a galaxy far, far away with its lifelike creatures and realistic play space.

More kid experiences include the Imagineering Lab where they can build and ride their own roller coaster, and Fairytale Hall where they can create floating lanterns. 

The Edge and Vibe

There are two teen spaces available for the cruise. The Edge (ages 11-14) and Vibe (ages 14-17) offer spaces for teens to unwind and relax while on their vacation. Coffee and sodas are available for teens to enjoy, as well as games and select movies. Both spaces are only able to enter through key cards.

Camp Hideaway is also available for older teens and young adults for multiple events and private areas for adults.

Adults

Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge

For an evening adventure, The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge is a hypnotic experience as you travel through the galaxy while sipping on themed concoctions. These drinks are on the pricier side but the splurge offers some of the most original and interesting cocktails onboard. The drink based on the planet Mustafar, called Berken’s Flow, was my personal favorite with its coconut flavor and deep chocolate aftertaste.  

The Nightingale

Nightingale’s is a refined piano bar inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” in the 1950 film. Their bubble chandelier and the soft piano music made it my favorite place to relax after dinner. The select wines and hand-crafted cocktails are all delicious and unique, but on the list of ‘bubble’ drinks you’ll find the magic of Disney for adults. Their signature drink, The Sweet Nightingale, is a fresh, crisp gin cocktail served in a bird-shaped glass.

Onboard Oasis at Sea

Retreat to this relaxing, adults-only refuge featuring an infinity pool, bar and poolside lounge dedicated to swimming, sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun. Located on the back of the ship, relax in the pool as you are treated to endless ocean views and a bit of peace.

Dining 

Arendelle: A Disney Dining Experience

A Frozen-themed dining experience, where you celebrate Kristoff and Anna’s recent engagement as you’re transported to the Kingdom of Arendelle aboard the Disney Wish. The food is inspired by Nordic cuisine and offers many fish dishes and delicious desserts. Dinner is paired with a live show of dancing and Frozen songs as Kristoff and Anna stroll around the room to greet each guest. 

Worlds of Marvel

An interactive dining scene on board the Disney Wish asks you to help Ant-Man and The Wasp solve a problem. You are entertained by large screens around the dining area that present you with your instructions and clips of Marvel Movies. At the end of dinner, Ant-Man and The Wasp come out to thank their team for saving the day.

1923

Named after the year The Walt Disney Studios was founded, this dining establishment celebrates the spirit of the studio that started it all. Travel back in time as you dine amid storyboards, sketches, and props that illustrate the early animation process while delighting in some of the flavors found throughout the Golden State. Their dining is absolutely beautiful, set right by the grand hall.

Palo Steakhouse

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Palo is one of the nicest and most delicious restaurants on the Disney Wish. Their glamorous and luxurious decor whisks you away for a truly royal experience. Their seating is right by the window offering endless ocean views and their wine selection is perfect for pairing with the French-inspired menu. I highly recommend reserving a table for one night while on your cruise.

Entertainment

The Little Mermaid

On the Disney Wish, you are able to experience Broadway-style shows. Created exclusively for this cruise, the live theatrical adaptation of the beloved 1989 Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid, is something you don’t want to miss. Other shows include Disney Seas the Adventure and Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular which is incredibly magical.

Magical Spaces

There are so many adventures, experiences, and memories to be found while on board that it is hard to fit them all in. From the Senses Spa, Hook’s Barber Shop, and Untangled’s Salon there are multiple options for finding relaxation or an extra treat while on vacation. In addition to the three-deck pools, activity spaces, and The Aquamouse that slides around and off the ship, there are many magical ways to experience The Disney Wish with family and friends

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Cover photo from The Disney Wish

Hannah Glasgow is an editorial intern at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She starts her final semester at Texas State University in Fall 2022 where she is majoring in journalism and geography.