REVIEW: Disney Cruise from Southampton – Big Price, Big Fun or Big Disappointment?

After much anticipation, we finally embarked on our first Disney cruise aboard the Disney Dream. I booked this trip just two days before Christmas in 2023, and now the adventure has come to life. Here are the key details:

Departure Date: August 23, 2024
Departure Port: Southampton, England
Itinerary: 4-Night Spain Cruise from Southampton
Ship: Disney Dream
Cost: £1,412.90 per person
Room Type: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah

Being a parent to just one child has its perks, especially when it comes to affording holidays—honestly, I can’t imagine how parents of multiple kids manage it! I wasn’t entirely sure if we’d enjoy the experience, and since I thought this might be a one-time thing, I splurged on one of the “fancier” staterooms, which naturally came with a higher price tag.

Now, I’m ready to share my full review of our Disney cruise from Southampton and whether I believe it was worth the money.

Since this was our first cruise as a family, I figured it would be wise to get to Southampton the night before. Trains can be unreliable, and I wasn’t keen on driving, so using my Family and Friends Railcard, I booked us a train to Southampton. I also found a “cheap” Holiday Inn nearby for us to stay in overnight.

To be honest, we were still recovering from our recent trip to Jamaica, so we spent the entire day relaxing in the hotel and ordered Uber Eats for dinner. It was a low-key evening, which was exactly what we needed.

I had been keeping this Disney cruise a secret from my daughter for months, as it was a special early birthday surprise. I’m over the whole party scene and much prefer giving the gift of holidays instead. I decided to tell her about the cruise on the day of departure, and as expected, she was absolutely ecstatic! It wasn’t easy keeping the secret, especially when our luggage tags arrived in the post with a big “Disney Cruise” label on the envelope. I had to quickly think on my feet and told her it was just a brochure. Disney might want to reconsider the design of those letters!

Let’s talk about the embarkation process for our Disney cruise. Although our assigned embarkation time was 1:30 pm, we arrived a bit early. This meant we had to wait for our turn, but it wasn’t a problem at all. We were able to drop off our bags beforehand, and since it was a nice, sunny day, we relaxed and enjoyed some snacks and entertainment.

Just before 1:30 pm, we were directed to get in line, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quick the process was. We spoke to a friendly staff member who checked us in and provided my daughter with an Oceaneer Band, which would allow her access to the kids’ club. Then it was time for security, which was similar to airport security but much faster.

After that, we made our way to the ship. The walk wasn’t long, and I was amazed at how smoothly everything went. A highlight of the experience was the warm welcome we received from the cast members. They greeted each family by name, clapping and cheering as we boarded—it made the start of our journey feel truly special.

Once onboard, we were happy to find that our room on the fifth deck was ready right away. We dropped off the bags we had kept with us and began exploring the ship. Our other luggage, which we had checked earlier, arrived shortly after, making the entire embarkation process seamless and stress-free.

If you’re planning a Disney cruise, there’s one thing you absolutely need: the Disney Cruise Line app. Trust me, it will be your best friend throughout the trip. The app gives you the rundown on all the events, from character meet-and-greets to dinner schedules and special activities. Make sure you download it in advance, as it’s an essential tool for staying organised and making the most of your time on board.

Now, let’s talk about internet access. I know some people like to disconnect on holiday, but if you’re like me and need to stay connected for work, you’ll need to consider the Wi-Fi options. I purchased the best Wi-Fi package available, but be warned—it’s not cheap. For our four-night stay, it cost $136 for just one device. Unfortunately, the lower-tier options weren’t great. Without purchasing a package, you’ll still have access to the Disney app and basic messaging services like WhatsApp, but you’ll miss out on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even your email.

After dropping off our bags, we were thrilled to meet Goofy with almost no wait time. It was a great surprise and made the start of our cruise even more magical. Shortly after, we had our mandatory safety briefing, and then it was time for the Sail Away Party on the top deck. The energy was fantastic, with music, dancing, and plenty of character appearances—a perfect way to kick off the holiday.

I won’t go into every detail of our four-night cruise, but I’ll focus on the key moments that you’ll want to know about if you’re thinking of booking a Disney cruise. Keep reading for the highlights!

Our room

I booked the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with a Navigator’s Verandah, but I found the theme to be somewhat dull. Although I knew what I was getting into when I booked, it still felt more like a standard cruise room rather than a distinctively Disney cruise experience, despite a few cute touches.

The room featured a double bed and a sofa bed. The bed, in particular, was fantastic—easily the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, with incredibly soft pillows. The bathroom setup was convenient, with the toilet and shower being separate. They provided towels, body wash, conditioner, hand wash, and soap.

Our room also had a TV, fridge, safe, life jackets, and a wardrobe. The Verandah was a nice touch, offering great views of the sea. The ship was clean throughout our stay, so no complaints there. We had housekeeping service twice a day, and the attendant who took care of us was excellent.

One thing we really took advantage of was the room service. On some nights, we ordered hot chocolate, burgers, fries, and drinks—all included in the price. However, do note that canned drinks like Fanta or alcohol come with an extra charge. Our room was on the fifth deck, conveniently close to the elevator and the kids’ club, which made things even better.

You can see a full room tour on our TikTok.

Kids Club

There are six kids clubs on board, catering to children from as young as six months all the way up to teenagers, so there’s truly something for everyone. My daughter absolutely loved Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab—if it were up to her, she would have spent all her time there! I had to set a schedule so she could enjoy a few hours in the club and still have time for family activities on the cruise.

One thing that really stood out to me was how safe the kids’ club felt. I know some parents may have concerns about the safety and qualifications of the staff at kids clubs, but I trust that Disney conducts thorough background checks and ensures their staff is properly trained.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab are fantastic for kids of all ages during Open House hours. Outside of those times, it’s reserved for kids aged 3-10, and my daughter couldn’t get enough of it. The safety measures are top-notch, with staff stationed at every entrance, the special Disney Oceaneer Band for access, and a secure pick-up password system. It’s a great way for kids to have fun while parents relax. I highly recommend it!

Check out Andy’s Room on our tiktok.

The Food and drink

The food on the cruise was quite hit or miss. There was one night when I had incredible duck and mashed potatoes, but there were other nights when the food was disappointing. I only discovered on the final night that you can view the menu on the app before heading to the restaurant.

We dined at all three restaurants—Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden, and Animator’s Palate. We ended up sitting with the same family each night, which was a nice touch and allowed us to become friends. Animator’s Palate was our favourite in terms of theming.

I must commend the waitstaff, especially one who was particularly helpful in ensuring all my food was nut-free, as I have a severe allergy. I’ve unfortunately forgotten his name, but his assistance was greatly appreciated.

For breakfast, we went to Cabanas each morning. The quality of the breakfast was also hit or miss. We had lunch there a few times, and we also enjoyed lunch at Flo’s Café on occasion.

There’s self-serve ice cream available, and staff are constantly around to clean up as it can get messy.

On the 11th deck, there are drink stations with options like Fanta, Sprite, and other soft drinks, as well as hot drinks like hot chocolate, green tea, and peppermint tea. All of these are included in the price of your cruise, though treats from Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats do come with an additional charge.

The Activities

There were so many fantastic activities on board, and you can easily see all the options through the app, just like I mentioned before. Here are a few of our favorites:

We had a blast making our own Forky during Open House at the kids club. We also got to watch the Jack-Jack Diaper Dash, which was absolutely hilarious—seeing those little babies crawl while their parents got competitive trying to make them win was priceless.

We enjoyed two magical shows: Beauty and the Beast and Disney Believe, which was a truly enchanting performance featuring so many beloved characters like Princess Tiana, the Genie from Aladdin, and The Lion King.

There were also plenty of opportunities for arts and crafts. We had fun with karaoke, making slime, learning how to draw Disney characters like Minnie, and so much more. There’s definitely a lot to keep you entertained throughout your stay, and with all the activities available, there’s no way you can be bored on the ship!

Water fun

There are multiple water spaces on board the Disney Dream, some busier than others, and a few areas are reserved for those 18 and over. Honestly, we only used the pool once because it was so crowded. I feel like having timeslots could help, but given the number of people on the ship, it might not be practical. At certain points, it just got too busy, and I thought, “This isn’t worth it.”

That said, there’s something for every age group. Whether you have a confident swimmer or a little one just getting used to the water, there’s a spot for them. The Aquaduck water slide is a lot of fun, though it does come with height and age restrictions, so make sure to check those out before you go.

The adults-only pool areas are great—much quieter than the kids’ areas and definitely worth checking out while your kids are at the kids club. They do provide towels, which you just need to return at the end, and there are chairs available. That’s about all I can say on that front—it’s a decent setup, but the busyness can be a drawback.

See more on our tiktok.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night was a lot of fun and here’s what you can expect. Each guest receives a party bandana to add a bit of pirate flair. The dinner menu is designed to resemble an old treasure map, though, to be honest, the food wasn’t great. I had similar expectations based on my experience at the Pirates of the Caribbean restaurant at Disneyland Paris, which was also disappointing.

On Pirate Night, Disney characters are dressed in their pirate gear, and both adults and children are encouraged to wear pirate costumes too, adding to the fun atmosphere. In the evening, there’s a lively pirate party on the top deck, which is a blast. They also provide blankets, so if it gets cold, be sure to grab one.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is an activity that you need to book in advance through the app before you set sail. You’ll be notified when booking opens.

Much like a hair salon, it offers magical transformations for kids, turning them into characters like pirates, princesses, knights, or even Captain Minnie aboard Disney cruises. While the experience is undeniably enchanting, the prices are quite high, starting at $99.95.

For $199.95, my daughter received a full makeover, which included a styled hairdo, age-appropriate makeup, face gems, nail polish, a Disney dress, matching accessories, and a bag to carry all her new treasures. She loved every moment of it, and her fairy godmother made her feel like a true princess.

I had some concerns about booking, particularly regarding inclusivity, but her fairy godmother did an excellent job detangling and styling her Afro hair, making the experience even more special. Although it is pricey, it was a truly lovely and memorable experience.

They also offer similar experiences for boys or anyone else interested. They can choose to become a Royal Knight, which includes hairstyling, a sword and shield-themed bag, and a knight’s costume, or Captain Mickey, which includes hairstyling, a themed bag, an autograph book and pen, and a Captain Mickey costume.

See more on our tiktok.

Shopping onboard

Now that you’re on a Disney cruise, you’ll probably want to buy some gifts, whether for family or for yourself. There are shops on board, but just like at Disneyland Paris, the prices can be pretty steep. Personally, I bought a keychain as a little souvenir since I like to collect them everywhere I go. I also picked up a few things for my daughter, like a cute keychain, a photo frame that doubles as a fridge magnet, and a MagicBand.

The MagicBand wasn’t necessary, but I really wanted it, so I splurged. You can use it to unlock your room, make purchases, and it adds a bit of onboard magic by lighting up and vibrating during interactive moments, including in the dining rooms. Plus, it’s reusable, so if I ever book another cruise, I can bring it with me.

To keep costs down when it comes to buying gifts, I recommend shopping before you board. Stores like Primark offer great Disney merchandise at affordable prices, like cute bracelets, necklaces, and bags for you or your kids. While gifts aren’t a necessity, they make for fun little add-ons.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that I also bought a popcorn bucket with popcorn for around $10 and a Disney Cruise Line cup that cost over $20. It was pricey, but I felt like treating myself!

The destination

We sailed from Southampton to A Coruña and back. Although I love Spain, A Coruña didn’t impress me much. We visited on a Sunday morning when most places were closed, and the beach wasn’t particularly appealing. However, we did find a nice playground and some beautiful palm trees, which made for a few good photos before heading back to the ship.

I was surprised to find that we didn’t need our passports to disembark—our key cards or MagicBands were sufficient. Maybe in the future, I’ll give A Coruña another try with a bit more planning and research. I hadn’t prepared much for this stop and ended up spending most of the day on the ship.

On the bright side, we got some lovely pictures of the ship, which is absolutely massive—something I don’t think people fully realise until they see it up close.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare; there is a set amount charged per person per day, which is distributed among your server, assistant server, head server, and room attendant. I chose to remove the automatic gratuities and paid what I thought was appropriate in cash instead.

Personally, I’m not a believer in gratuities. I think employers should pay their staff a sufficient wage where tips are a bonus rather than a necessity. Unfortunately, on cruise ships, it seems gratuities are very much a necessity.

Disembarking day

Disembarking day wasn’t as hectic as I’d anticipated. The night before, they ask you to leave your luggage outside your room by 10 pm and provide luggage tags if you’d like them to take your luggage off the ship for you. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of bags, as you’ll need to have breakfast before you leave.

I chose to keep my luggage with me to make things easier, though it was a bit inconvenient having it around while we were eating breakfast. We had breakfast at Cabanas, but unfortunately, the options weren’t great, so I only had a drink. My daughter found a few things she liked.

After breakfast, we went downstairs with our suitcases and encountered a large queue. I was worried it would be a long process, but it turned out to be straightforward, much like embarking the ship. We just showed our key cards and walked off—there was no passport control.

From there, we walked back to Southampton Central Station, which took about 15 to 20 minutes. It was a short walk, so unless you really need to, there’s no need to spend extra on a taxi.

So, was the Disney cruise worth the money? Overall, yes, but there were a few downsides. The biggest letdown for me was the food. Don’t get me wrong—sometimes the meals were absolutely delicious, but other times, they fell short. There were moments when I found myself opting for a cheeseburger and chips because the food at the restaurants didn’t quite hit the mark.

Despite that, I do recommend the Disney cruise, especially if you have kids—they’ll absolutely love it. Unfortunately, I’m not aware of any discounts to help with the cost. My best advice is to book the cheapest room available and pay it off over time. Trust me, it’s a cruise your kids will never forget.