Why Tourists Are Flocking to Disney Cruises
Just five years ago, the cruise industry appeared to be in dire straits.
Now, cruises are surging in popularity, and that’s especially true for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Treasure
Here’s why tourists are flocking to Disney cruises.
Business Is Booming
The Walt Disney Company recently announced a $60 billion investment in its Disney Experiences division.
So, we’ve officially entered the expansion era at Disney theme parks and resorts.
Disney Treasure
Importantly, this plan spills over into Disney Cruise Line (DCL) as well.
In case you haven’t heard, DCL announced a dramatic increase in the size of its fleet.
Photo: Disney
At the start of 2022, four ships comprised the entire DCL fleet.
Now, with the introduction of the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, DCL has grown by 50 percent.
Disney Treasure
Remarkably, DCL will add another two ships during calendar 2025, effectively doubling the fleet in just three years.
You may think that’s the end of DCL expansion. To the contrary, that’s just the start.
Photo: Disney
Disney Cruise Line will consist of 13 ships by 2031, which is just six years from now.
Obviously, Disney wouldn’t do this unless business were booming, which it is.
Disney Treasure artwork
During Disney’s most recent quarterly earnings call, CFO Hugh Johnston heaped praise on the first few weeks of the Treasure.
According to Johnston, the Treasure has basically sold out every itinerary to date.
Disney Treasure
Even more remarkably, Disney expects that the brand new ship, which only debuted in December 2024, will be profitable almost immediately.
The CFO indicated that the Treasure will earn money during its first quarter in operation.
Disney Treasure
That’s the dream for every new business venture, but it’s a more important fact for you as a tourist.
You’re probably wondering why the Treasure has generated so much interest during its brief existence.
Grand Hall
To understand that, we should start with its predecessor.
The Disney Wish Elevates the Cruise Experience
Five years ago, a global health crisis placed the entire cruise industry on hold.
During this delay, DCL officials didn’t sit idly by and await a return to business.
Photo: Disney
Instead, they utilized this rare pause to reexamine all facets of the cruise business, including the design of upcoming ships.
At the time, the Disney Wish was under construction, with the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny on deck.
Credit: Disney
Executives carefully considered the emerging trends in the cruise industry, one of which was more experiential options.
The Wish benefited from this research, debuting with several fascinating amenities.
Photo: Disney
Disney rethought its cruise restaurant strategy, elevating the existing rotational dining options with a new style.
During a three-night cruise, guests dine at a different restaurant each night, and two of them are immersive.
Photo: Disney
On the Wish, you’ll get thrown into the action during Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.
You’ll get dinner and a show here as the unique setup includes an in-the-round live concert featuring Broadway-level performers.
Frozen Dining Experience – Disney Wish
On another night, you’ll experience Worlds of Marvel: Quantum Encounter, a meal served with a mini-Marvel movie playing.
Actual MCU actors appear in this story, demonstrating how DCL has spared no expense with the presentation. You won’t find anything like that on any other cruise line. It aptly demonstrates the power of the Disney brand.
Here’s a video:
Speaking of which, the Disney Wish became the first cruise ship to feature a full-fledged Disney attraction onboard.
Meet the AquaMouse, a water roller coaster interspersing a Mickey Mouse cartoon throughout the ride.
Obviously, a vacation on the Disney Wish is unlike anything you’ve ever imagined a cruise could be.
Remarkably, the Disney Treasure is, if anything, substantially better.
Disney Cruises Keep Getting Better
Here’s a popular Disney influencer showing her first experience on the Treasure.
I started the video at one of the high points, their first visit to Haunted Mansion Parlor.
MickeyBlog’s staff were also among the first to ride the Treasure, as were some friends of mine.
Disney Treasure popcorn bucket
Everyone’s reaction was eerily similar. The euphoria induced by the Haunted Mansion Parlor reduced some of them to tears.
I’m not being hyperbolic here. You can find videos of it on social media.
Haunted Mansion Parlor
For Disney fans, the first trip to Haunted Mansion Parlor borders on a religious experience. There’s just nothing like it.
Disney has created several immersive pubs like this, introducing beloved theme park attractions at sea.
Haunted Mansion Parlor
On the Treasure, you’ll also find Periscope Pub, which pays tribute to 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.
Meanwhile, fans of Aristocats will dig the scene at the Scat Cat Lounge.
Skipper Society
Also, instead of Frozen, the in-the-round show here celebrates the music of Coco.
DCL has discovered new ways for tourists to enjoy their favorite Disney stories. And that’s not all!
Plaza de Coco Restaurant
Bluey recently made her debut as a character greeting on the Disney Wonder.
The beloved Heeler puppy is also coming to the parks, but you’ll find Bluey on various Disney cruise ships first!
Photo: Disney / Instagram
That’s one of the many ways DCL keeps the various ship experiences fresh and exciting for tourists.
The Disney Adventure, which sets sail later this year, will raise the stakes even more.
Photo: Disney
Disney has effectively built a theme park at sea in that the Adventure consists of several themed areas.
You’ll find Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, and even Town Square, a variant of Main Street, U.S.A.
Photo: Disney
That’s the new trend in Disney cruise design, and everyone’s in love with it.
Final Thoughts
When you take a Disney cruise, you enjoy the same characters and stories but sidestep the stress of a theme park visit.
On a cruise, you don’t wait in lines all day. Instead, you sip boat drinks, eat whenever you want, and just be a Disney fan.
Disney Cruise Line
You don’t need to take my word for it about the soaring popularity of Disney cruises.
Here are several recent glowing reviews from travel writers. You can search and find countless more on your own.
Disney Treasure artwork
I’ve been covering Disney tourism for well over a decade now, and I can sincerely state that Disney cruises are hotter than ever.
Like, it’s not even close. Disney wouldn’t spend billions of dollars on new cruise ships unless the demand justified the expense.
Disney Treasure
In a matter of months, DCL will add two new ships, including easily the largest one ever.
The company expects these vessels to run at maximum occupancy as well.
Grand Hall
Folks, right now, Disney cruises are the place to be for Disney fans.
I warmly encourage you to watch some YouTube videos and TikToks of Disney cruise experiences.
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You’ll quickly understand what you’ve been missing.
Once you do, you should speak with a MickeyTravels agent to do some cruise shopping.
National Plan for Vacation Day
As a reminder, MickeyTravels is the best in the business, having earned Diamond Earmarked status multiple times.
Despite the company’s success, MickeyTravels agents still provide their services entirely free of charge to you!
MickeyTravels
All they want is for you to have the Disney cruise of your dreams!
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