- Melanie Bauer
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
Mediterranean Magic Aboard a Disney Cruise: The Fun, The Fancy, and the Fails
We just got back from a Mediterranean Disney Cruise—and let me tell you, it was a dream. Setting sail from Barcelona, we explored postcard-perfect ports like Rome, Pisa, the Cinque Terre, and Provence, all with the added sparkle of Disney magic. Between luxurious touches for the adults and nonstop fun for the kids, this trip had a little bit of everything. But like any vacation (especially one with kids), it wasn’t all smooth sailing. So here it is—my real recap: the fun, the fancy, and yes…a few fails.
✨The Fun: Nonstop Entertainment for Everyone
Disney knows how to do entertainment, and a Mediterranean cruise is no exception. From movie theaters showing the latest Disney releases (for this cruise it was Thunderbolts and the live action Lilo & Stitch) to character meet-and-greets, themed deck parties, and immersive kids’ clubs, there was always something happening. My kids were living their best lives splashing in the pools and water slide, doing crafts with cast members, and even participating in pirate night.
The ports were (almost) as equally fun--I will touch more on this in the fails section. In Rome, we saw the Colosseum and tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain. In Pisa, the kids giggled nonstop trying to “hold up” the Leaning Tower for photos. Fun Fact: kids 8+ can actually climb to the top of the Tower! And in the Cinque Terre, we strolled around the fishing village turned resort town of Camogli—the views were straight out of a travel magazine.
💎The Fancy: Luxurious Moment for the Grown-Ups
Let’s talk about the luxury. This isn’t your typical theme park experience. Our stateroom had bunkbeds for the kids, an attentive stewardess, and a balcony where we could enjoy coffee in the mornings and sip wine as the sun set over the Italian coast. The adults-only pool area and the Champagne Lounge were peaceful and sophisticated. We even sipped Dom Perignon for a "reasonalbe" price. Pro tip: sneak away here while the kids are at the kids’ club. We dined at Palo—one of the cruise’s fine dining restaurants—and it was genuinely delicious with an amazing ambience.
From all the staff knowing your name and delicious meals (including Mickey Waffles for the kids) to turn-down service with chocolates and towel animals, Disney sprinkled magic in all the right places.
🙈The Fails: A Few Hiccups to Keep It Real
Now, for the reality check.
The Port Excursions:
Many of the European port excursions are action packed and fast-paced. Touring Rome in one day? Amazing, but exhausting—especially with young kids. Our tour guide barely stopped for a bathroom break, let alone to snap photos or buy souvenirs.
In the Cinque Terre we did an excursion called "Become a Sailor in Camogli." Sounds like we would be on a boat, right? Wrong! Imagine our entire tour's disappointment when we just walked around the village and did not set foot on a boat.
Bottom Line: Get on the Disney Cruise app AS SOON AS your excursion booking window opens. The good tours sell out almost immediately. If there is a tour that isn't fully booked before you set sail, it's probably mediocre and not worth it. The Disney Cruise Pros apparently know this already,
Also, don't get discouraged if a tour you want is already sold out. Check the app regularly before you travel, because a lot of times the tours will open back up as your sailing date approaches.All
Tea Party with the Princesses
I have 2 boys so I didn't have high hopes for them loving the tea party, but signed us up anyway because I love tea parties (haha). It was extremely expensive ($200/kid and $70/adult) and BORING. Even the families with daughters seemed to be struggling to stay engaged. The tea treats were yummy, but we ended up leaving early. The price did include a crown, a cape, and a cute little toy, but I think I would have rather just used that money at the gift shop. My recommendation is to sit this one out and save your money, unless you have a kid that really has their heart set on this activity.
Pirate Night (almost) Fail
Speaking of the Disney Cruise app. It is also a great way to book on-board activities (like the Princess Tea Party). You can also see what activities are happening around the ship, or when a character will be at a certain location, so you can make sure to see all of your favorite Disney pals. However...the app is not always accurate. We kept getting notifications that Pirate night was on Day 3. Imagine our shock and (almost) embarrassment when we left our room dressed as Pirates ON THE WRONG NIGHT!
Luckily our super attentive Stewardess saw us leaving the room, chased us down the hall, and told us that Pirate Night was really on Day 4. She said the app is not always updated accurately. LOL.
My advice: Get to know the staff, they are a gold mine of information and they may even tell you a Disney secret or spill a little tea.
On-board Kids Activities/Kids' Club
My kids (8 and 5yo) had the time of their lives with the kids' club and all the on-board activities. I have been dying to do a Disney Cruise with the kids for a few years. Luckily, I stumbled upon a Mom Blog that warned important information that helped me to "pause" my Disney Cruise vacation plans.
Here's what you should know:
Kids' club is only offered to children 3+ yo who are potty trained. If you have a small child or a baby in diapers, they do have a nursery. But as far as I know, it has very limited capacity and it costs extra money.
Also, the on-board pools DO NOT allow swim diapers, therefore your little one may be restricted to the splash pad only. The ship is a magical place, but I do think there are better vacation alternatives for infants and toddlers. I would recommend holding off on a Disney Cruise until the kids are old enough to experience all the kids' activities to the fullest.
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely! Despite a few bumps, this trips was full of unforgettable moments and incredible family bonding. Seeing Europe through the lens of Disney made the experience fun, approachable, and just the right amount of magical for both kids and adults.
If you're considering cruising through the Mediterranean (and your kids are out of diapers), I say go for it-just pack comfy shoes, a flexible mindset, and book excursions way in advance.
