Ever Thought, “Maybe a Disney Cruise… But Without Too Much Disney?

Yeah, same. You think maybe a cruise could be fun, then picture 24/7 princess parades and Mickey ears in your cereal. But let me tell you something—a Disney Cruise is more magical (and more relaxing) than you'd expect.

From the moment you step onboard, you're wrapped in that signature Disney magic. And depending on the season? You might be greeted by festive Christmas vibes, spooky Halloween fun, or even a ship full of Marvel heroes. No matter the theme, it’s an experience your family won’t forget (and yes, you’ll probably cry happy tears at least once).

We recently sailed on the Disney Wonder out of San Diego for a 5-day cruise to Mexico. My family had never cruised before, and I’d only done non-Disney cruises in the past—so this was a whole new level of sea-bound awesome.

What We Didn't Expect (But Now Love):

• Pirate Night. I was not prepared. People go all in—we’re talking full pirate costumes, themed dinners, parties, dancing, singing, and even swashbuckling decor on cabin doors. It’s like Disneyland meets “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and every age group is living their best life.

• Cabin Door Decorating. Apparently, this is a thing. Not just stickers—some guests bring full-blown masterpieces, and even little pockets where people leave treats or trinkets. It's like a floating neighborhood Halloween.

• Rotational Dining. You rotate through three themed restaurants during your stay, and your servers rotate with you. The meals? Delicious. The experience? Pure Disney. One night you’re getting light-up cups, the next you’re dressed to the nines meeting the captain. It’s like dining in a fairytale… that feeds you very well.

Adults-Only Spaces? YES, PLEASE.

I adore my family, but the adult-only sections were a gift from above. My husband and I snuck off for coffee topped with Mickey art, soaked up some peace and quiet, and even checked out the adult pool—though fair warning, it closed earlier than we’d hoped (just before the second dinner seating, which was a small bummer). The spa was calling our names, but next time, we’ll plan that better.

Excursions? Iconic.

There were tons of excursions to choose from—tequila tastings, regional cooking classes, swimming with dolphins, and more. Since we were a little late to the booking game, we opted for a relaxing beach day with lunch, which turned out to be perfect. Plus, we explored the local shops for souvenirs. My daughter even negotiated her way into a killer deal—I was impressed and mildly terrified.

Final Verdict? 10/10, Would Cruise Again.

Five days flew by in a blur of magic, food, laughter, and beachy bliss. We had so much fun, and the Disney element added the perfect touch without being over the top. We're already counting down to our next cruise—and yes, we’re pairing it with a park trip, because why not go full Disney?

If you’ve been curious about cruising but don’t know where to start, or you’re wondering what kind of options are out there, shoot us a message! We’d love to help you plan your next adventure at sea (pirate hat optional… but highly encouraged).