Disney Cruise Line is the superior choice for families seeking a fully immersive, albeit more expensive, Disney experience with character interactions and themed entertainment. Princess Cruises is a better option for those seeking a wider range of itineraries, a more traditional cruise experience, and better value for the price.
| Attribute | Disney Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary Variety | Offers itineraries to Europe, Caribbean, Bahamas, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Alaska, and the U.S. Pacific Coast. Itineraries range from 3 to 14 nights. | Over 160 options, reaching more than 300 ports globally, ranging from 3 to 111 days. Destinations include Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, South America, Pacific Islands, Asia, Australia, and Canada/New England. |
| Cabin Size and Amenities | Cabins are designed with families in mind. Amenities include a 22-inch flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and safe. Inside cabins range from 169 to 184 square feet, ocean-view cabins range from 204 to 241 square feet. Suites and family cabins feature balconies and access to concierge facilities. Larger staterooms feature split bathrooms. | Interior, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite, and suite cabins. Standard amenities include a living area, twin beds (convertible to queen), deluxe bedding, closet, smart HDTV, phone, safe, hairdryer, bath products, mini-bar/fridge, individual air conditioning, and 24-hour room service. |
| Dining Options and Quality | Offers a unique rotational dining system where guests experience a different restaurant each night, with the same wait staff. Themed restaurants are available. There are options for specialty dining at Palo and Remy (adult-exclusive). The food quality is generally good and varied, with options for special diets. | Multiple main dining rooms, casual eateries, and specialty restaurants. "Anytime Dining" available. Options range from pizza and pasta to steakhouses. Some ships have up to 30 restaurant and bar venues. |
| Onboard Activities and Entertainment | Offers Broadway-style shows, character meet and greets, themed dining rooms, and Disney-themed bars. Themed dance parties, silent discos, and karaoke are available. The ships offer deck parties and movie screenings. There are areas designed exclusively for various age groups, including children, teenagers, and adults. | Broadway-style shows, movies under the stars, casinos, enrichment programs, cooking demonstrations, and dance classes. MedallionClass app offers interactive games. |
| Family Friendliness | Designed to cater to families with children of different age groups. Kids' clubs like the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab offer supervised activities for children ages 3-12. There are specialized spaces for tweens and teens to hang out and connect with others. | Supervised youth centers with activities. Some ships have family suites for up to eight people. Discovery at SEA program offers family-friendly activities. |
| Adult-Only Areas | Adults can unwind in exclusive adults-only spaces, like the spa and quiet lounges. Every Disney cruise ship has a Quiet Cove area, an adults-only area with a pool. Serenity Bay is an adults-only beach on Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay. | The Sanctuary (exclusive sun deck). Some ships have adult-only pools and hot tubs. |
| Service Quality and Staff Friendliness | Known for high-quality service and attention to detail. Staff members are generally friendly and helpful. The crew is trained extensively and participates in regular emergency drills. | Known for helpful and friendly staff. Ocean Medallion technology aims to provide personalized service. |
| Shore Excursions | Offers shore excursions designed to cater to families of all ages. Excursions include exploring tropical islands, snorkeling, and visiting ancient ruins. Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, is exclusively accessible to Disney guests. | Wide range of shore excursions available. |
| Ship Size and Passenger Capacity | Operates several ships with varying sizes and passenger capacities. The Disney Wish has a passenger capacity of approximately 4,000. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy each have a passenger capacity of approximately 4,000. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder each have a passenger capacity of approximately 2,700. | Varies depending on the ship. Example: Caribbean Princess has a passenger capacity of 3,140. Sun Princess can hold 4,300 passengers. |
| Pool and Deck Space | Disney ships have multiple pools and deck areas. The Quiet Cove Pool area is an expansive onboard oasis featuring adult-exclusive swimming. The Disney Dream has the AquaDuck water coaster. | Some ships have multiple pools and hot tubs, including adult-only options. Some ships may have limited public space and seating. |
| Environmental Initiatives | Disney Cruise Line has installed advanced sewage treatment systems on all six of its ships. Four of Disney's ships burn fuel with a 0.1% sulfur content worldwide. The Disney Wish and Disney Treasure burn liquefied natural gas fuel. Disney is one of the cruise lines that responded to inquiries about its environmental practices with specifics, awarding them an A for Transparency. | Not available |
| Price | More expensive than other cruise lines | Good value for the price |