“Where are we going?” That’s the big question before choosing a Disney cruise. “What is there to do at that port?” is the second question. Disney’s ships are places of wonder and enchantment, but there is more to a cruise than the ship. Most cruisers want to experience interesting destinations they’ve never been to before, along with exceptional on shore activities that are unforgettable. Disney Port Adventures, offered by Disney Cruise Lines, provides curated excursions for cruisers of all ages, including seniors, that show off the best of what each port has to offer without any hassle.
Deciding On Port Adventures
Disney makes it easy to choose a port adventure that works for your entire party. Each sailing has a list of offerings for that particular cruise on the cruise line website. Click on the name of the adventure to learn more about it. Basic information about each port adventure includes:
- port of call—the city and country
- the price–per person, pricing based on age groups
- the activity level—mild, moderate, or athletic
- the experience type–active, nature, sightseeing, culinary, or cultural
- ages—the adventure is recommended for: all ages, children, or adults only
- time and duration of the tour–what time it starts and how many hours it takes
If the basic information sounds good, read the description of what is included in all port adventures. The information will explain if:
- a bus or other transportation is involved and where to get on the vehicle,
- an adventure has a tour guide,
- there are activities such as dolphin swim or learning to make a local recipe,
- it is strictly sightseeing,
- there is a beach stop, the adventure includes a lunch or snacks, and
- there is time to shop.
Also check the Know Before You Go button. This will explain if wheelchairs or scooters can be accommodated, what to bring with you, and other important information. Reading the description will help you decide if the adventure is a good fit for your party. If not, there are plenty of others excursion options.
Booking Port Adventures
Once an adventure is agreed upon and your “My Plans” booking window is open, you can book your adventure on the DCL website or you can call guest services directly. Your adventures will be charged to your onboard account, which means you don’t pay for it until the end of your cruise.
The day before you return to home port you will receive a listing of all extras incurred during your cruise. If it is correct, you can choose to pay for the extras with your on-file credit card, a different credit card, a Disney gift card, or cash. For Disney Chase credit card holders, you can apply your Disney Rewards to pay the account. If you find there is an error, visit onboard guest services before you depart the ship to correct it. Port adventures can be cancelled up to 3 days prior to cruise departure date. After that time, all reservations are final and non-refundable.
Disney Port Adventures versus Outside Companies
If you feel Disney Port Adventures is too expensive, you can book with a company outside of Disney. You may find them online or find a representative waiting at the end of the pier. Going this route, however, is risky. The excursion time you need may be booked up and if you take a later excursion you may miss ship departure. There is also the chance the excursion doesn’t return to the dock in time for departure even if you get the time you wanted. Then you will have to find and pay for your way to the next port.
You may have to negotiate a price and you may be required to pay with the country’s currency as many local companies do not accept credit cards. This means finding a money exchange booth before you can book the excursion, which will take up precious time and the excursion may book up before you can pay. Some companies may not be legitimate, but you won’t know that unless something happens, for example you are left stranded at your destination without a way back to the pier, (I’ve heard this happen to fellow cruisers.)
The Ins and Outs of Disney Port Adventures
Staying with Disney Port Adventures is a safe and assured way to enjoy ports of call. Disney works with reputable companies and does all the work for you, so you don’t have to negotiate pricing or deal with currency exchange, and there are no additional excursion fees. All Disney Port Adventures are coordinated with the ship’s arrival and times are adjusted if a ship arrives at the port later than expected.
If the excursion is running late for whatever reason, your ship will be notified and it will wait for you. Should waiting be impossible, DCL will provide complimentary transportation to the next port of call. Also, excursions are fully refundable for missed ports should the ship’s itinerary change due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Concluding Thoughts About Disney Port Adventures
Taking one or more Port Adventures is a great deal of fun. Explore all the options and choose the one that is right for you. Should you decide not to take a Port Adventure, you can still leave the ship and wander around the port, but do keep an eye on your time so you return to the ship before departure. Regardless of how you explore ports of call always remember to take ashore your passport, cash and a credit card, your ship card key, and your cell phone.
If you are a senior and curious if a Disney cruise is for you, here is another article for you titled Surprise! Disney Cruises and Seniors!
Watch for the next article from Rose Ann in a few weeks on Port Adventures: Accessible Adventures.
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