Disney Wish — Cruise Ship Review (2024)

What is the line? Disney Cruise Line

Name of ship? Disney Wish

Passenger occupancy?4,000

Itinerary? Three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Castaway Cay

Disney Wish, the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, set sail in July 2022 from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and its private island, Castaway Cay, bringing with it all of the magic and hospitality we’ve come to expect from Disney.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?
Disney is all about the young and the young at heart, and that sentiment holds true for the entirety of the Disney Cruse Line fleet. From on-deck dance parties to dining with “Frozen” characters Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, and much more in between, passengers are invited to be a part of the all-ages fun on the Disney Wish.

Tell us about the ship in general.
Disney Wish, which is slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, was built in 2022 in Germany and arrived in Florida in June. The ship’s 1,254 staterooms—most of which have ocean views (70 percent of those have verandahs)—can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers. Three family restaurants, two fine dining spots, myriad casual dining spaces, and numerous bars and lounges are found throughout the Disney Wish.

One of the greatly anticipated highlights of the Disney Wish is AquaMouse, the first Disney attraction at sea that immerses guests in “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” by way of show scenes, and lighting and special effects, all in a 760-foot water ride that winds high above the ship’s upper decks.

Who is onboard?
Board the Disney Wish and you’re sure to find everyone you can think of, from small families to multi-generational families to couples and groups of friends. Anyone and everyone who’s a fan of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars will find their place on the ship.

Describe the cabins.
My two friends and I stayed in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which has a queen bed and a single convertible sofa, as well as a single pull-down bed; plenty of space for three women. The verandah had two chairs and was a quiet and lovely spot to watch the sunrise (if we were up early!) and the sunset.

One of the impressive key design features on Disney Cruise Line’s ships is its signature split-bathroom concept: one with a sink and a toilet, the other with a sink and shower; all cabins have bathtubs. Another is the cabins’ wealth of storage space, which is especially useful in smaller spaces that can easily become cluttered.

In addition to the Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs, which can accommodate up to four guests, Disney Wish also has its Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms that can accommodate up to five guests each; and Standard Inside Staterooms that can accommodate up to four.

Disney Wish’s 76 concierge staterooms and suites, the most of any Disney Cruise Line ship, include seven exclusive ocean-view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow; they’re the line’s first staterooms located above the ship’s bridge. Other staterooms in the class include Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah and Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom, both of which sleep up to five guests; the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah and Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah, both of which feature two full bathrooms and separate bedrooms and can sleep up to five.

The Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah encompasses 1,507 square feet with two main bedrooms with walk-in closets, three full bathrooms, living and dining areas, three 43-inch LCD flat screen TVs, and a private verandah with whirlpool. The suite sleeps up to six guests.

Concierge 2-Story Royal Suites with Verandahs are 1,759 square feet with two main bedrooms with walk-in closets, three full bathrooms, living and dining areas, three 43-inch LCD flat screen TVs, and private verandahs with whirlpool tubs. The suites sleep up to six guests.

For those really wanting to splash out, the first-of-its-kind, Moana-themed Concierge Wish Tower Suite is perched high on the Disney Wish’s funnel above the upper decks, accessible by private elevator. Within the 1,966 square-foot suite are two bedrooms with walk-in closets, a children’s bedroom with bunkbeds, and a library that can be converted into a bedroom; four-and-a-half bathrooms; a two-story living area with floor-to-ceiling windows; and a grand staircase connecting the spaces. The Wish Tower Suite sleeps up to eight guests.

All concierge guests aboard the Disney Wish are invited to enjoy exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge and a VIP sun deck on Deck 13 with whirlpools and a wading pool.

Accessible staterooms and those equipped with communication features are available in nearly all of the ship’s categories.

Tell us about the crew.
“Be our guest” is a sentiment the crew aboard the Disney Wish takes to heart, and they go above and beyond to make you feel right at home from the moment you step on board. From the cabin stewards to the lifeguards at the pools and beaches to the dining, bars, activities, and island teams, everyone is ready to make your cruise a memorable one.

What food and drink options are available on board?
There is absolutely no chance of going hungry on the Disney Wish, starting with the casual Marceline Market and its 10 tempting food stalls for casual dining for breakfast and lunch, and table-service at dinnertime.

Another casual option is Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods, an open-air dining concept on the upper decks with poolside-friendly barbecue, tacos and burritos, pizza, burgers and hot dogs, and ice cream. Elsewhere on the ship is a gelato and candy shop, specialty coffee bar, a place for beignets and plenty more.

One of Disney Cruise Line’s traditions is its family dining concept in which families rotate through the ships’ three main dining rooms. The Disney Wish features three new restaurants, starting with 1923, an elegant celebration of the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, combining Hollywood glamor with the Disney whimsey.

Diners are in the middle of the adventure in “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” in Worlds of Marvel, the first Marvel cinematic dining adventure featuring Ant-Man and The Wasp. Get ready for an interactive dining experience as you help keep the the Quantum Core out of the wrong hands.

The third dining experience on the Wish is a Nordic one—Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and, of course, Olaf. During dinner, live musical performances in-the-round will keep everyone entertained.

Another of Disney’s family dining concept that really resonates with guests is that your dedicated dining team travels with you to each restaurant, welcoming you by name to the table, bringing your favorite beverage without having to ask, and remembering any special considerations when it comes to food preparation.

To that end, the Disney Wish offers vegetarian and vegan options at every meal, including in the dining rooms and grab-and-go spots, and pays close attention to any allergies or restrictions. For example, one of my friends is vegan, and Melissa, the lead of our dining team, made sure to point out the dishes my friend could enjoy for dinner.

In addition to all of this, the Disney Wish has two fine dining restaurants for which you’ll want to be sure to make reservations: Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté by Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement. Both spaces are intimate and elegant, and dining in either—or both—will be memorable.

After dinner, or before—or, why not both!—visit any of the Disney Wish’s bars and co*cktail lounges. Of note, The Rose is a chic lounge at the entrance of Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. Aside from its signature Rose co*cktail (Komos Reposado Rosa, Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre and Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé served in an elderflower-smoked dome), another co*cktail to try is the light and refreshing Monkey Spritzer (Monkey 47, Cointreau Blood Orange, Cranberry and Evian Lemon Ginger).

For the best old fashioned on the ship, stop into the not-so-hidden bar at Hook’s Barbery and have the barber/bartender craft a glass for you. The bar at Hook’s also features bourbons, vintage whiskeys and ports, aged rums and other premium spirits, served in an intimate setting.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge is the hottest ticket on Disney Wish, and it’s not surprising because it’s the first of its kind. Step into the luxurious yacht-class spaceship and sip out-of-this-world co*cktails, wines, beers, and zero-proof drinks. Or, go all-in and order the $5,000 Kaliburr Crystal, considered “the galaxy’s rarest and valuable co*cktail.” While inside, you may just find yourself traveling past the Millennium Falcon on your way to Batuu, Coruscant, Mustafar, or Tatooine.

And that’s just a small taste of the bars and lounges on the Disney Wish!

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?
Find serenity at Senses Spa with private treatment rooms and spa villas for couples to enjoy. Traditional spa services like massages, facials, and skin-enhancing treatments are on the menu, along with acupuncture and pain management therapies.

Just off of the spa is an expansion of Disney Cruise Line’s signature Rainforest experience, now with the line’s first ice lounge, in addition to sensory spa showers, and sauna, steam and dry rooms. A dedicated outdoor relaxation space with day beds and loungers complete the relaxing setting.

Tell us about the activities and entertainment.
It’s nearly impossible to be bored on the Disney Wish, what with the ship’s daily schedule of fun-filled activities, and all of the space to explore, including its six pools.

One space that’s new to Disney Cruise Line is Hero Zone, a futuristic sports arena that combines athleticism and imagination that hosts game-show-style family competitions. It’s also open for one-on-one games of foosball, air hockey, and even basketball on a full-size court.

Disney Uncharted Adventure is a first-of-its-kind interactive experience that takes guests throughout the ship, uncovering constellations that take the shapes of iconic Disney and Pixar characters. Using a spyglass that’s accessible by the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, Captain Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse guide players to adventures with characters including Moana, Tiana, Tinker Bell, and Nemo.

How was the experience for families?
Families are the stars of the show on Disney Cruise Line, and it’s no different on the Disney Wish, with dedicated clubs for kids of all ages, starting with the Disney’s Oceaneer Club for kids ages 3 to 12. After their parents check them in, kids can ride the slide from the Grand Hall on deck 3 to the club on deck 2. There they’ll find the Marvel Super Hero Academy, New Adventures at Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Fairytale Hall, the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and A Celebration of Exploration at Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck for the youngest sailors.

Edge and Vibe is a space for kids 11 to 17 to chill on their own. Tweens ages 11 to 14 can hang out Edge, a space inspired by a New York City loft. Vibe is where teens 14 to 17 can watch movies, play games and make the Parisian artist’s loft-inspired space their own.

It’s A Small World Nursery provides baby-sitting services for kids ages 6 months to 3 years old, complete with play room with favorite Disney characters and even a toy train.

All kids’ clubs are overseen by Disney-trained counselors.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?
Our three-night itinerary sailed from Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay, Disney’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas. The expansive beaches are lined with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas to accommodate everyone onboard the ship, and complimentary open-air dining spots and (not-complimentary) bars are at-the-ready for eating and sipping tropical umbrella drinks. There’s even exclusive Castaway Cay souvenirs available in the on-island shops.

Activities on Castaway Cay vary from snorkeling and a 5k running and walking course to boat rentals and Pelican Plunge, a 2,400 square foot elating platform complete with water-play area and two waterslides.

Adults (18+) who are ready for some quiet time can ride the tram to Serenity Bay with its own dining spot and bar, and open-air massage cabanas for even more relaxation.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?
On the environmental front, Disney Wish is powered by liquefied natural gas, making it nearly 30 percent more fuel efficient and reducing its greenhouse gases emissions by approximately 20 percent. Other ways the ship minimizes its environmental impact: biodegradable straws; washable dinnerware instead of single-use plastic utensils; and recycling condensation from a/c units to fresh water used in onboard laundry facilities and cleaning the ship’s outer decks that will save approximately 7.5 million gallons every year.

Anything we missed?
For all of the family and adult-designed fun on the Disney Wish, the decor of the ship itself is elegant, starting in the Grand Hall and cascading down hallways and staircases. More than 4,400 works of art hang on the walls, and the ambient music gently complements the design.

Once you book a cruise on the Disney Wish, everything is taken care of, from transportation to and from the port, to every last comfy detail in your stateroom, freeing up your time to make lasting memories.