Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

---

Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Experiences Bringing the Imaginative Worlds of “Encanto” and “Soul” to the Disney Magic

CELEBRATION, Fla. (May 5, 2023) – From the magical mountains of Colombia to the bustling streets of New York City, the colorful worlds of two fan-favorite Disney films – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” – have come to life for the first time on the high seas with the debut of new family-friendly experiences aboard the Disney Magic. In addition to “Encanto”-themed entertainment and a “Soul”-inspired lounge, the ship’s concierge accommodations were enhanced with new theming and spacious refurbishments during a three-week dry dock project in Freeport, The Bahamas.

“An Encanto Celebration” Brings the Family Madrigal to the High Seas for the First Time

Guests can join the fantastical family Madrigal during an all-new immersive experience, “An Encanto Celebration,” designed to engage families through music, crafts and storytelling. The interactive experience gives guests an opportunity to meet and take photos with Mirabel and the family member we don’t talk about, Bruno, during their Disney Cruise Line debut. Families can also join a spirited sing-along of beloved “Encanto” songs and create butterfly and flower crafts inspired by the film. During the show, guests can experience a true taste of South America thanks to a selection of local Colombian beers, cocktails and sodas along with film-inspired mocktails.

New Soul Cat Lounge Hits the Right Note for Evening Entertainment

The heartfelt story of “Soul” was the inspiration for the brand-new Soul Cat Lounge designed to look like Joe Gardner’s favorite music spot from the film, the Half Note Lounge. The space, located on deck three near Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant, instantly transports guests to a classic New York jazz club appointed with decorative details like brick walls, wood accents and plenty of rich leather seating around a stage set for live music, so guests can grab their partner and head to the dance floor for a swinging good time each evening.

The Soul Cat Lounge is adorned with custom artwork from Pixar featuring nods to the film including record labels, concert posters and portraits of jazz legend Dorothea Williams and her bandmates. Thoughtful “Soul”-inspired details are subtly layered throughout the design including record players, instruments and Joe’s hat.

Adults can enhance their big city experience with table-side Manhattans and martinis or choose from a selection of native brews and cocktails made with New York spirits. A fun collection of mocktails, specialty coffees and sodas are also on the menu. In addition to new drink options, guests can take a bite of Little Italy with an order of zeppoles, the classic Italian pastry similar to a fried doughnut, while enjoying the live music.

Redesigned Concierge Retreats Provide an Elevated Experience

For guests seeking the ultimate comfort and service at sea, the concierge spaces aboard the Disney Magic have been elevated and enhanced. The concierge lounge was reimagined and expanded to feature a sophisticated new theme and tropical color palate inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” and an additional outdoor covered seating area on deck 10 where guests can relax with a refreshing beverage while enjoying the ocean breeze. All concierge suites, including one- and two-bedroom accommodations and the two signature royal suites, have been completely refurbished with fresh fixtures, furniture and elegant artwork, further elevating the premium experience for concierge guests.

Shore power technology was also installed as part of the ship’s dry dock project, continuing Disney Cruise Line’s longtime dedication to minimizing its impact on the environment. When available at the port, this will allow the Disney Magic to “plug in” to the port’s electrical grid, reducing the ship’s emissions.

The Disney Magic is currently sailing its first of three itineraries from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Beginning May 24, the ship will return to Miami for a summer of cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean including the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration in honor of Disney Cruise Line’s 25th anniversary. This fall, the Disney Magic will head west for its inaugural season sailing out of San Diego.

---

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up to be an insider

---

---

READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Consider booking your next adventure through our partner travel advisors MEI-Travel, by emailing: AtoZ@MEI-Travel.com or click here A to Z Book Now

---

---

Join the daily fun over on Instagram!

---

---

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Hawaii, Other Favorite Tropical Destinations in Early 2022

October 15, 2020

 In early 2022, Disney Cruise Line returns to Hawaii and other favorite tropical destinations to delight families with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. Adventure abounds during 10-night Hawaiian Islands cruises and a variety of sailings to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico, departing from coast-to-coast homeports including New Orleans, Galveston, Texas, San Diego, Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 22, 2020. More details on 2022 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2022 page of disneycruise.com.

There’s not much time to think on the options this time, because booking will start in a few days!

Booking will be as follows:

• Monday, October 19 for Platinum Castaway Club Members (guests who have sailed with Disney more than 10 times) and Golden Oak residents.

• Tuesday, October 20 for Gold Castaway Club Members (guests who have sailed more than 5 times)

• Wednesday, October 21 for Silver Castaway Club members (guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line at least once), Adventures by Disney insiders, and Disney Vacation Club members.

• Thursday, October 22 for first-time cruisers!

Hawaiian Islands Cruises from Honolulu and Vancouver

The Disney Wonder returns to Hawaii in early 2022 for two special 10-night cruises: a voyage to Honolulu from Vancouver, Canada, on April 26, and a return sailing to Vancouver on May 6.

Guests will discover the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, including the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu; unforgettable views from high atop the summit of Haleakala Crater on Maui; the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai; and the diverse natural wonders of Hawaii Island.

Even More Family Vacations from Florida

Vacationers can combine a Disney cruise getaway with a stay at Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022 with two ships sailing from Port Canaveral near Orlando, Florida, and a third ship departing from Miami. Every cruise from Florida in early 2022 includes a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

• From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy begins the year with a six-night Western Caribbean cruise, followed by seven-night voyages to a variety of favorite destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

• The Disney Dream, also sailing from Port Canaveral, embarks on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Offering even more fun in the sun, one special four-night cruise includes two stops at Castaway Cay.

• From Miami, the Disney Magic sails four- and five-night Bahamian cruises and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. One special three-night sailing to Castaway Cay and Key West, Florida, makes the perfect long weekend escape.

With a variety of options from Florida to choose from, guests can look forward to embarking on a vacation that provides something for everyone in the family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.

Popular Tropical Destinations from Galveston and New Orleans

• The Disney Wonder sails Western Caribbean getaways early in the year, first from Galveston, Texas, with four-night itineraries, followed by four- and six-night voyages from New Orleans.

• A special six-night Bahamian voyage offered from both Galveston and New Orleans gives guests the opportunity to visit Castaway Cay, in addition to the lively town of Key West.

Baja Getaways from San Diego

• The Disney Wonder returns to San Diego in March and April with cruises to Baja, Mexico, where guests can enjoy vibrant culture, stunning beaches and exciting water activities.

• Most sailings to the Baja peninsula call on the charming coastal city of Ensenada, known for its turquoise blue water and rugged mountainous terrain. A two-night cruise to Ensenada has a Friday departure from San Diego, giving guests the ultimate weekend getaway to experience world-class entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder.

• Four- and five-night Baja cruises include a visit to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, a favored destination with dramatic rock formations and white-sand beaches, or to Catalina Island, a tropical gem off the California coast with plenty of outdoor adventures and seaside charm.

What about the Disney Wish?                                                               

• Originally planned to sail in early 2022, the Disney Wish is now scheduled for its maiden voyage in summer 2022 due to pandemic-related delays at the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Germany. As previously announced, the Disney Wish will be powered by liquified natural gas or LNG, one of the cleanest-burning fuels available. At approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, the ship will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

---

More Disney Cruise Line

---

---

---

Here are you options if you have a cancelled cruise on Royal Caribbean as described in the video your options for rebooking, getting a refund etc.:

Future Cruise Credit (Higher Value)

As a result of this change, we’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with us by April 30th, 2022. Please re-book using your FCC by December 31st, 2021.

• This amount will be based on your total cruise fare paid (or Cruisetour, if applicable). And, we’re giving you a little extra, knowing that this is such a unique circumstance.

• We will automatically issue you your Future Cruise Credit (FCC) via email. So, there’s nothing for you to do!

You can expect to receive your FCC by:

◦ Monday, April 13th, 2020, if your sail date was on or before April 10th, 2020, or on Ovation of the Seas April 11th, 2020, Radiance March 14th, 2020, Jewel of the Seas March 19th – May 5th, 2020, and all April 2020 Spectrum of the Seas sailings.

◦ Monday, April 30th, 2020, if your sail date was April 11th – May 11th, 2020, including Alaska sailings departing May 12th – June 30th 2020, Empress of the Seas June 1st, 2020 & June 12th, 2020 sailings, and May 2020 Voyager of the Seas sailings (excluding May 25th, 2020 sailing).

◦ Friday, May 22nd, 2020, if your sail date was on or after May 12th, 2020.

◦ Tuesday, June 30th, 2020, if you sail date was between June 12th – July 31st, 2020 (excluding Vision of the Seas June 13th, 2020 and Anthem of the Seas June 20th, 2020 sailings).

◦ Friday, July 17th, 2020, if you were booked on a Canada sailing that was cancelled on June 2nd, 2020.

• Please know, taxes & fees and any RoyalUp upgrades will be automatically refunded. You can expect to see these in 45 days.

• A few additional considerations on Future Cruise Credit program:

◦ If you opted into the Cruise with Confidence 100% Future Cruise Credit, you do not qualify for this offer.

◦ If you used a Cruise with Confidence certificate on this sailing, you’ll receive a new Future Cruise Certificate for 125% of your total cruise fare value paid, including the value of your original certificate.

◦ If you used a Future Cruise Certificate on this sailing, you’ll receive a new Future Cruise Certificate. This will be for 125% of any new monetary funds paid on this sailing, plus the reactivated value of your original certificate at 100% of its worth, with an expiration date of December 31st, 2021 and a sail by date of April 30th, 2022.

What happens if the global cruise suspension already impacted you?

- Sailings through April 10th, 2020, and paid additional monetary funds on a new booking within this extended suspension period, you’ll receive two 125% Future Cruise Credits: one for the original booking and another equal to 125% of any monies paid towards cruise fare on the new booking. You are able to opt in to refund one or both via the process below.

- Sailings departing March 13th – July 31st, 2020 (including Canada sailings departing August 1st – October 31, 2020), and paid additional monetary funds on a new booking within this extended suspension period, your original FCC’s will be reissued at the original amount, and then you’ll receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit for any new amount paid towards cruise fare for your cancelled booking. You are able to opt in to refund one or both via the process below.

What happens if you want to move your cruise?

Lift and Shift (Only available for sailings cancelled as part of our global suspension on May 20th, 2020 or after) : If you prefer to move your existing booking to a 2021 sailing – we’re happy to move you! We will price protect the original pricing and/or promotion on the same itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category as your original sailing within 4 weeks (before or after) of the original sail date in 2021. For example, if you are moving from a July 30th, 2020 sailing, you can move to a sailing that is the same itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category, and the sail date between June 30th, 2021 – August 30th, 2021. If your sailing was cancelled on:

• May 20th, 2020, please contact your Travel Advisor or call us by June 10th to move to a new sailing. If we don’t hear from you, we will automatically issue your Future Cruise Credit.

• June 2nd, 2020, please contact your Travel Advisor or call us by June 17th to move to a new sailing. If we don’t hear from you, we will automatically issue your Future Cruise Credit.

Full Refund Option (Lower Value)

If you prefer the lower value in a full refund instead of the 125% Future Cruise Credit, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered:

• You may request a refund and your certificate will be deactivated. You must request your refund by:

◦ December 31st, 2021 for sailings departing March 13th – May 11th, 2020, plus Alaska sailings departing May 12th – June 30th 2020, Empress of the Seas June 1st, 2020 & June 12th, 2020 sailings, and May 2020 Voyager of the Seas sailings (excluding May 25th, 2020 sailing).

◦ December 31st, 2020 for sailing departing May 12th – July 31st, 2020, including Canada sailings departing August 1st – October 31st, 2020

• We’ll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits.

• To avoid waiting on the phone to cancel, please click here and we will get the process started for you.

• You can expect to receive your refund 45 days after you submit your request.

• Please note: If you used a Cruise with Confidence certificate on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we’ll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we’ll reinstate your original Cruise with Confidence certificate.

Cruise Planner Purchases

If you purchased Cruise Planner items and were booked on a sailing departing:

• June 12th – July 31st, 2020 and your sailing was canceled on May 20th due to the global suspension, you can opt-in to receive an Onboard Credit in the value of 125% of the total Cruise Planner purchases on your reservation.

◦ Click here by June 10th, 2020 to request your higher value credit and we’ll email it to you by June 30th, 2020. If we don’t hear from you by June 10th, 2020, your Cruise Planner purchases will be automatically refunded. You’ll receive your refund within 45 days of June 10th. We are working as quickly as possible and we appreciate your patience during these unprecedented times.

◦ Also, if you opt for a cruise fare refund or for Lift and Shift before June 10th, you are not be eligible for this Cruise Planner Onboard Credit offer.

• August 1st – October 31st, 2020 and your sailings was cancelled on June 2nd due to the Canada travel ban, you can opt-in to receive an Onboard Credit in the value of 125% of the total Cruise Planner purchases on your reservation.

◦ Click here by June 17th, 2020 to request your higher value credit and we’ll email it to you by July 17th, 2020. If we don’t hear from you by June 17th, 2020, your Cruise Planner purchases will be automatically refunded. You’ll receive your refund within 45 days of June 10th. We are working as quickly as possible and we appreciate your patience during these unprecedented times.

◦ Also, if you opt for a cruise fare refund or for Lift and Shift before June 17th, you are not be eligible for this Cruise Planner Onboard Credit offer.

• Questions about the 125% Cruise Planner credit? Click here for more details.

If you purchased Cruise Planner items and were booked on a cruise departing on or before June 12th, 2020 (and Vision of the Seas’ June 13th, 2020 and Anthem of the Seas’ June 20th, 2020 sailings):

• Click here for more details about your refunds.

Air and Hotel Purchases

Cancellations for sailings on or before April 10th, 2020:

• If you purchased refundable air or hotel accommodations through Royal Caribbean, they will be automatically refunded to you.

• If you booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.

Cancellations for sailings between April 11th – July 31st, 2020, and Canada sailings between August 1 – October 31, 2020:

• If you purchased refundable air or hotel accommodations through Royal Caribbean, they will be automatically refunded to you within 45 days after we process the cancellation.

• If you booked non-refundable air through Royal Caribbean or booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.

We know, this too shall pass, and we are optimistic that very soon you’ll be excited about planning your next cruise vacation. As always, the most important thing to us will always be the safety of our guests and crew. In the meantime, we’ll continue to monitor the global situation. We wish you good health and truly appreciate your continued loyalty.

For the most current U.S. government travel advisories, be sure to visit these sites:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control 

U.S. Department of State

More Disney cruise Line content

More Royal Caribbean Line content

---

---