Trip review - Disney Treasure

Hello!

I made a Disney cruise tips and tricks post a little bit ago, so I thought I would do a follow up on our actual cruise. We sailed on Disney's (currently) newest ship, the Disney Treasure in August for a seven-night western Caribbean cruise. We boarded on my husband's birthday, so it felt extra special. The ship is BEAUTIFUL. We've sailed on the Disney Wish twice and they are sister ships, so they share the same layout. I am not sure if it's just the different theming or if there was something in the energy of the ship, but to me, the Treasure blew the Wish out of the water. 

Oops. Maybe I shouldn't say that about a ship. Haha!

Depending on the day you ask us, it might be our favorite cruise. We had perfect weather the entire time, great staff, terrific food, and so much fun. I think we walked away with winners medals from three trivia and one game. We also won a Newlywed style game called Match Your Matey (pirate edition!)

I needed two stomachs to eat all the food I wanted to. It was that good. We dined at Palo (adults only specialty restaurant) for dinner for the first time and I'm still dreaming about the chocolate souffle. One of the great things about the rotational dining rooms is you eat at all three restaurants twice on a seven night, and it's a different menu for both times. You can order as much as you want. I know I should have ordered two of the three cheese souffles from night two at 1923. Sigh. Truly enjoyed everything I tried, except for the Californian Riesling risotto. That was just okay. I know I could've asked for something different, but the staff was so busy. I will know for next time though. 

My knee was not very cooperative most of the time, but the staff went out of their way to accommodate me. The shows on board were incredible. I will repeat a tip I made on my other post. *Do not* miss the Broadway style shows. The ones on the Treasure are Beauty and the Beast and Moana. Both shows are amazing!  We also got to see a boy band, two Broadway singers, and a magician that was a finalist on America's Got Talent this last season (Zak Mirz!) 

There are not many things better than that view. 

I watched a video recently of a Disney content creator sailing on the Disney Wish, and it struck me how different the experiences we had on the Wish compared to the Treasure. I mentioned before they have the same layout, only the theming is different. On the Wish, I think we hung out in Tiana's Bayou (bar lounge) for trivia and other things, and we didn't at all for the Jungle Cruise themed bar lounge in the same location. I never went to the Star Wars Hyperspace bar on the Wish but spent quite a bit of time in the Haunted Mansion themed bar on the Treasure (same location). It seems every cruise we have our hangout spots. The places we hung out on the Treasure I don't think we stepped foot in on the Wish. I both like that and found that interesting. Maybe that's just me. The great thing is there is literally something for everyone. And that's wonderful. 

We were on the Treasure for seven terrific nights and still wish we could've been on for more. I still feel like there was more to see or do than we had a chance to. It's definitely spoiled my husband for anything shorter than seven nights, haha! We were able to move at our own pace, not feel like we had to dart from event to event to take it all in. I think for me that sweet spot is between five and seven nights. It would need to be a special itinerary for us to sail on a four night ever again.  

There is no right answer to the question of which ship is best or which one you should sail on. It all depends on your needs, when you want to sail, where you want to go, etc. We love the Dream and Treasure. I feel like I've spent too much time talking down about the Wish, but it is also a spectacular ship. If you want to test the waters, so to speak, and only want to do a three or four night, highly recommend the Wish. We haven't been on the Magic or Wonder (yet) but from what I've seen and researched, those are also wonderful ships that sail in more places than just Florida. A lot of their ships sail out of Florida. It's nice to see Disney out at Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and soon spending more time out of Galveston, TX. Maybe they will add New York back in the mix with the ships that are launching in the next few years. 

There was one thing negative. I came home with Covid. Not sure if it happened on our cruise or sometime in Florida. I was meticulous in washing my hands, and using hand sanitizer, but you never know. I've never gotten sick after a trip, so I guess it was my time.

I am not a travel agent, but if you come across this blog and have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be happy to help with what I can or can refer you to a great travel agent for what I don't.

Anyways, I hope this was enjoyable and maybe a little helpful. Until next time!

 

Disney cruise tips for first timers

 

Hello!

I am a big fan of all things Disney and over the years have garnered a lot of knowledge on the Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando and Disney Cruise Line. Friends would say I'm an expert. I will not call myself that, but am I super knowledgeable? Yes. Will I help any of my friends with questions they have? Absolutely! My husband and I are currently planning to go on our fifth Disney cruise in August. I've had a few other friends reach out for tips and info before they cruise in a few months. I thought I would put some of my knowledge to use and write up some things I think would be helpful. I am also thinking of a pros and cons blog soon since this might get long and what I feel are the biggest differences between the ships.

Start off with download the DCL Navigator app prior to the cruise! 

Before your cruise, it will have a handy and fun countdown, plus you can check into your cruise from the app at your designated check in time. Check-in Dates are 30 days before sailing for first time cruisers, 33 days prior to sail for Silver Castaway Club members, 35 days before sailing for Gold Castaway Club members, Platinum Castaway Club members check in at 38 days before and finally, all Pearl Castaway Club members and anyone sailing Concierge check in 40 days prior. Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line's free loyalty program. You will become a Silver member automatically after your first cruise. You get free in room gifts and some perks when you become a Castaway Club member which get better as you progress in the rankings. You become a Gold member after sailing five times, Platinum after 10 sailings, and Pearl after 25. 

Not only does the app give you the countdown and the check in option, you can book excursions, adult dining reservations, and onboard activities when it opens and stateroom gifts. There's information about your ship, check your balance, and can even order Magic Bands+. I have also added onboard credit though the gifts portal so I already had funds in my account. Super helpful before and a must during your cruise.

Join the Facebook group for your cruise! You'll meet your fellow travelers, hear from others who possibly have done your sailing before and can give advice, join a fish extender group if you want, and more. Lots of people who join a fish extender where you'll get a group to exchange gifts. For our Christmas cruise, we joined a pixie dusting list. We had a list of others who joined and randomly throughout the cruise, dropped handmade magnets and received some fun gifts too. Absolutely don't have to join a fish extender or pixie dusting, but it is a lot of fun.

Quick note about Magic Band+. If you are familiar with them from the Disney Parks, it's similar function on the cruise. Not all ships have access to use them but I think most do now. On the ship, you will receive a Key to the World card. It's your room key and also how you would add charges onto your account for any extras. You can use a Magic Band+ the same way, but you will still need your KTTW card for when you get off the ship. Some I've talked to really like it so they aren't having to keep up with a card all the time, but it's definitely not needed. I highly recommend not spending the money, unless you are really going to use it a lot in the Parks later. It's a fun add on, but that's all it is. No added benefit, really. I personally would recommend bringing a lanyard to help keep up with the KTTW card.

Excursions

There is a lot that goes into picking out port excursions. Always do your research. Main thing I want to touch on here is Disney vs non-Disney booked ones. Third party excursions can save you money, but like I mentioned above, do your research before you book. Check your schedule on arriving and departure times. If you book through Disney and your activity is running late for whatever reason, the ship will not leave without you. Third party... you do run the risk of getting left behind. And you will have to figure out a way to either get back on the ship or travel home. So, there is that. 

The Princess Gathering

On Bahama and Caribbean sailings, there is an event called the Princess Gathering. It's free for all ages, but you will need to make a reservation which opens up 30 days before sailing. It's a way to meet the princesses that are on your sailing in one line. I've done it once and met Rapunzel, Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, and Moana. Lots of fun interactions and photo ops. Spots are limited though. If you are not able to make a reservation, don't fret. Princesses do have regular meet and greets (schedules are in the app) plus spots do open up if you check back in the app often. You can also go to Guest Services once you board and see if they can help. *Do Not get this confused with the Princess Tea. That is an additional charge and you must have a little one to book.*

Dining

"Get to the food already!" haha I hear you. And there is a ton to talk about. Dining options will vary depending on your ship. On the Wish and Treasure (and soon the Destiny), your buffet is Marceline Market and you have a food court called Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods. This is going to be one of the best places on the ship, in my option. Festival of Foods is a grab and go with several different stations: Donald's Cantina (which is basically Chipotle at sea), Mickey's Smokestack Barbecue, Daisy's Pizza Pies, Goofy's Grill, and Minnie's Ice Cream. The food here is top notch and where my husband and I usually grab lunch unless we go to a sit down (I'll touch on that in a moment). I usually only go to Marceline Market for breakfast. On the Magic, Dream, Wonder, and Fantasy, the buffet is Cabanas. I usually enjoy Cabanas a little more. The grab and go is called Flo's Café that's also pretty good. Flo's will have salads, pizza, sandwiches, and a cantina similar to Donald's with a few less options.

Each ship has three main dining rooms included on the cost of your cruise that you will rotate, and depending on your itinerary, can go to more than once. There's two different dining times to select from. The first one I believe is 5:45 or 6pm, and the second is either 8:30 or 8:45 pm. Most families prefer to go to the first dining. My husband and I enjoy the second one. One of the things I love is your wait staff rotate with you and they will get to know your drink preferences (and often will have your drink ready when you sit down) and any food allergies. 

You might be paired with another group, depending on the size of your party. Disney does a really good job of pairing you with similar groups. On our very first cruise, we celebrated my birthday. We were seated with two other couples close to our age who were also celebrating a birthday. We really enjoyed getting to know them and it helped break the ice I bet for our first sailing, I think. You can request to have a private table and Disney will try to accommodate if they can. 

On sailings in the Bahamas, there usually is a pirate night as well. If you are on 4 night sailings or longer, you will get a special pirate night menu too. I've found people either really look forward to the pirate night menu, or they don't. I believe the menu is the same across the fleet. I enjoy it, but if we were to do a specialty dining during our sailing, I would try to pick it on pirate night.

There are two specialty dining restaurants for an additional as well. Wish and Treasure have Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. The other four have Palo and Remy. Both also will do brunch usually on sea days. These are adults only and sell out fast. We've done Palo Brunch once on the Dream and I really enjoyed it. My husband thought it was fine, but maybe not worth the $50. To each their own. 

Soda, non-specialty coffee, and tea is included! There are cafes around the ship where you can get coffee at a small additional cost. You can get a punch card and your fifth coffee will be free. I really enjoyed the drip coffee in the buffet, but there's also nothing like a nice cold brew looking out from your verandah... sorry, got lost in thought there. You get the picture. I highly recommend bringing a water bottle with you on the ship. Sodas are nice, but make sure you stay hydrated! I actually carried two bottles with me, one for water and one for ginger ale. Ah, the best. 

The adult section has Cove Café on all the ships which in my opinion is the best spot. You can also get smoothies too. What I have found I was pleasantly surprised on my first sailing were the things like a smoothie or even alcohol everything was very reasonably priced. You can get soft service ice cream on deck for free, and there's also a special ice cream parlor with additional cupcakes and other treats. And these weren't 'Disney prices' I was very happy with it. And check your Navigator app to see when Happy Hour is.

Entertainment

Disney has Broadway caliber shows on every ship! My favorite (so far) is Beauty and the Beast on the Dream. Each ship has a special one. There's Tangled, Frozen, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Moana. There usually are a few other shows. We loved the Golden Mickey's and Believe (an original show) on the Dream as well. Disney also plans ahead with these shows too. There are two shows a night planned around dinner which is extremely helpful. If you have first dinner, you can go to the second show. I love going to the show then dinner, but I also don't have young children traveling with me. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may also have different variety acts. We've seen Broadway singers and magicians. There was a boy band on our last sailing too. 

There's also trivia (so much trivia!), art classes, bingo, karaoke, and much more! Again, this is why your Navigator app is so helpful! 

Magnets

The doors on most of the cabin doors are magnetic and lots of people will decorate. I think it helps add to the fun plus you can locate your room easier. I get a lot of mine from Etsy. Also, most of the walls are too, except for the Magic and Wonder, so I've brought magnetic hooks to help hang things. Do not bring anything that hangs over the door. It could cause damage and are a big no-no.

Fish extender 

I mentioned this above, but didn't actually talk about what it is. A fish extender is a gift exchange often facilitated in a cruise group for your sailing. NOT by Disney. Named after the little hook by your stateroom for that shows you're room number having a little fish icon. Again, not a must do, but it's fun. You join little groups and everyone does little gifts. We did a pixie dusting exchange for our Christmas cruise. Hung stockings outside our room and occasionally got fun little gifts. I made little magnets to pass out. All in good fun. 

Don't forget your dramamine or similar if you get motion sickness. There is a first aid/nurses station down on deck 1 where you can get some meds for free if you forget or something unexpected happens, but if you know you're prone, it's best to keep it handy. My husband and I aren't,  but we went to the very front of the Wish once and it affected him. 

Packing cubes are always a good idea. Helps minimize space. Also a pop up hamper keeps things tidy.

I heard someone also suggest a sound machine. I would suggest using an app on your phone. Also, if you're in a verandah room, don't leave the door open. The a/c works in blocks so it can affect others too.

Let's see...what else can I help you with? If you see something in the shops that you like, don't wait. There's a good chance it'll sell out. And if you go to Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, that merchandise is specific to that island as well. 

There is a photo package offer that is cheaper before you embark. Disney photographers will also take the picture with your phone, or you can buy theirs. I bought the package on our....second cruise? Maybe first. But at the time I bought it, they had different levels for cheaper. Now it's only unlimited, which can be very expensive depending on your number of nights. For our upcoming seven night, it's over $300. You can buy on the ship too. Just make sure you do before you leave.

Um... I feel like I am missing things. If you are reading this and have questions, please let me know!