Bahamian vs Caribbean Disney Cruises: Which Destination is Right for You?

Choosing between a Bahamian or Caribbean Disney cruise can be as challenging as deciding between Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Both offer incredible experiences, but cater to different vacation styles and preferences. As a family who’s sailed on multiple Disney cruises, including both Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries, I’ll break down the key differences to help you choose the perfect magical voyage.

Overview of Disney Cruise Options

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of fabulous itineraries in the Bahamas and Caribbean regions, ranging from quick 3-night getaways to week-long adventures. Before diving into the specifics, let’s look at a quick overview of what’s included in the price of Disney cruises:

• Stateroom accommodations
• Most meals and snacks
• Entertainment, including Broadway-style shows
• Kids clubs and activities
• Character meet-and-greets
• Access to pools, waterslides, and other onboard amenities

For a comprehensive breakdown, visit our guides on what is included in the price of Disney cruises, dining on Disney cruises, meeting characters aboard Disney Cruise Line, and selecting staterooms on Disney cruises.

Types of Disney Caribbean and Bahamian Cruises

One of many photo spots around Disney’s Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line offers several distinct itinerary types in the Caribbean and Bahamas regions:

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

St. Thomas | Image © Disney

Typical ports of call:

• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• St. Maarten

A typical 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary might look like this:

• Day 1: Depart from Port Canaveral, Florida
• Day 2: At Sea
• Day 3: St. Maarten
• Day 4: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Day 5: At Sea
• Day 6: Disney Castaway Cay
• Day 7: At Sea
• Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral

Ships: In 2025, the Disney Fantasy and the new Disney Treasure will offer Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral.

Western Caribbean Cruises

Falmouth, Jamaica | Image © Disney

Typical ports of call:

• Cozumel, Mexico
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Falmouth or Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Costa Maya, Mexico

A sample 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary:

• Day 1: Depart from Port Canaveral, Florida
• Day 2: At Sea
• Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico
• Day 4: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Day 5: Falmouth, Jamaica
• Day 6: At Sea
• Day 7: Castaway Cay (Disney’s Private Island)
• Day 8: Return to Port Canaveral

Ships: In 2025, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Treasure will offer Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, while the Disney Magic will also have some Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas. For more information on these itineraries, visit our page, which compares Eastern Caribbean vs Western Caribbean Disney Cruises.

Bahamian Cruises

Nassau, Bahamas | Image © Disney

Typical ports of call:

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Disney Castaway Cay
• Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (new as of 2024)

A typical 3 or 4-night Disney cruise Bahamian itinerary might look like this:

• Day 1: Depart from Port Canaveral, Florida
• Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas
• Day 3: Disney Castaway Cay
• Day 4: At Sea
• Day 5: Return to Port Canaveral

Ships: In 2025, the Disney Wish will primarily offer 3- and 4-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral. The Disney Dream will offer similar itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. The new Disney Destiny, launching in late 2025, will also offer Bahamian cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

See our 2025 Disney Cruise Guide and 2026 Disney Cruise Guide for details on upcoming sailings, including dates, ships, and locations. Also, our guides to Disney Cruises Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Disney Cruises Departing from Port Canaveral, and Disney Cruises Departing from Galveston may be helpful.

New for 2025: Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship (Artist Rendering) | Image © Disney

The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish, debuts in late 2024. In 2025, it will be based at Port Canaveral, offering both Eastern and Western Caribbean 7-night itineraries. This new ship will bring additional capacity and excitement to Disney’s Caribbean offerings.

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Comparing Bahamian and Caribbean Disney Cruises

Now that we’ve outlined the different types of cruises, let’s compare Bahamian and Caribbean options:

Bahamian Disney Cruises: Perfect for Shorter Getaways

Best For

Bahamian cruises are ideal for:

• First-time cruisers wanting to test the waters
• Families with limited vacation time
• Those combining a cruise with a Walt Disney World vacation
• Budget-conscious travelers (these tend to be some of the cheaper Disney cruises)

Advantages

• More affordable overall cost
• Less time off work/school required
• Perfect introduction to Disney cruising
• Ample time to enjoy onboard amenities

Potential Drawbacks

• Limited time to fully explore multiple destinations
• May feel rushed for some travelers
• Fewer sea days for relaxation

Caribbean Disney Cruises: Extended Adventures in Paradise

Best For

Caribbean cruises are ideal for:

• Experienced cruisers or those wanting a fuller vacation
• Families seeking to visit multiple countries/cultures
• Travelers who enjoy a mix of port days and sea days
• Those looking for a more relaxed pace

Advantages

• More time to explore diverse destinations
• Multiple sea days for relaxation and onboard activities
• Better value per night (though higher overall cost)
• Opportunity to visit several countries in one trip

Potential Drawbacks

• Higher overall cost
• Requires more time off work/school
• May be overwhelming for first-time cruisers
• Could be too long for those prone to seasickness

Comparing the Onboard Experience

While the destinations differ, much of the onboard experience remains consistent across Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries. However, there are some key differences to consider:

Dining

Both cruise types feature Disney’s innovative rotational dining, where you rotate through themed restaurants with your serving team. However, longer Caribbean cruises offer more opportunities to experience specialty dining venues.

On our 7-night Caribbean cruise, Jaimie and I were able to enjoy an adults-only dinner at Palo (note: Palo is available on some Bahamian cruises too, but it’s easier to fit in on longer sailings). The extra time also allowed us to really savor the cuisine without feeling rushed.

Entertainment

While both cruise types offer Broadway-style shows and deck parties, Caribbean cruises typically include more variety due to the longer duration. You’ll have additional opportunities for movies, live music, and special events.

One highlight of our Caribbean cruise was the Pirates in the Caribbean deck party, complete with fireworks at sea – truly magical!

Kids’ Activities

Disney is renowned for its kids’ programming, and both cruise types offer excellent youth clubs. However, on Caribbean cruises, children have more time to form friendships and engage in longer, more involved activities.

Our kids, Ben and Ava, absolutely loved the Oceaneer Club on our Caribbean sailing. The extra days gave them time to really dive into the themed spaces and activities.

Adult-Exclusive Areas

Both cruise types offer adult-exclusive areas like the Quiet Cove Pool and nighttime entertainment district. On Caribbean cruises, you’ll have more time to enjoy these spaces without feeling like you’re missing out on family activities.

My wife Jaimie particularly appreciated the extra sea days on our Caribbean cruise to relax at Senses Spa while the kids were happily occupied in the youth clubs.

Choosing Between Bahamian and Caribbean Disney Cruises

When deciding between a Bahamian or Caribbean Disney cruise, consider the following factors:

1. Available Time: If you only have a long weekend, a Bahamian cruise is your best bet. For a full week vacation, opt for the Caribbean.
2. Budget: Bahamian cruises are more affordable overall, but Caribbean cruises often offer better value per night. Check out our guide on how to save money on your Disney Cruise for budget-friendly tips.
3. Cruise Experience: First-timers might prefer a shorter Bahamian cruise, while experienced cruisers may crave the variety of a Caribbean itinerary.
4. Destination Preferences: If you’re set on visiting multiple countries, choose a Caribbean cruise. For those mainly interested in beach time and the Disney experience, a Bahamian cruise is perfect.
5. Onboard vs. Port Focus: Caribbean cruises offer more sea days to enjoy the ship’s amenities. Bahamian cruises pack more port time into a shorter trip.
6. Family Dynamics: Consider the ages and interests of your children. Younger kids might do better with a shorter Bahamian cruise, while older children and teens may appreciate the variety of a Caribbean itinerary.
7. Season: While both destinations offer year-round cruising, Caribbean itineraries can provide a warm escape during colder months. Research the best time to go on a Disney cruise based on your preferences.

Personal Insights from Our Family’s Experiences

As a family who’s experienced both Bahamian and Caribbean Disney cruises, I can say that each offers its own unique magic. Here are some personal insights:

• Our 4-night Bahamian cruise was perfect for a quick getaway and gave us a taste of the Disney Cruise experience. It was ideal when the kids were younger, and we weren’t sure how they’d handle a longer trip.
• The 7-night Caribbean cruise allowed us ample time to unwind and experience a variety of destinations. The extra sea days were a highlight, giving us time to really explore the ship and enjoy activities as a family.
• Jaimie and I found the Caribbean cruise offered more opportunities for adult time, thanks to the exceptional kids’ programming and longer duration.
• Ben and Ava enjoyed both, but the Caribbean cruise gave them more time to make friends and fully immerse themselves in the kids’ club activities.
• If you’re a first-time cruiser, I’d recommend starting with a Bahamian cruise to get your sea legs. It’s a great way to see if cruising is right for your family without committing to a full week.

Tips for First-Time Disney Cruisers

Whether you choose a Bahamian or Caribbean itinerary, here are some tips for first-time cruisers:

1. Arrive at your departure port a day early to avoid travel stress.
2. Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before sailing.
3. Make advance reservations for popular activities and dining.
4. Pack a day bag with essentials, as your luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until evening.
5. Don’t try to do everything – leave time for relaxation and spontaneity.

Newest Disney Cruise Ships

For those interested in sailing on the most modern vessels, consider booking on one of the newest Disney cruise ships:

• Disney Wish (maiden voyage 2022)
• Disney Treasure (maiden voyage December 2024)
• Disney Destiny (maiden voyage November 2025)
• Disney Adventure (maiden voyage December 2025, but based in Asia until at least late 2030)

These ships offer state-of-the-art amenities and some of the most immersive Disney experiences at sea.

Is a Disney Cruise Worth It?

After multiple sailings, our family firmly believes that a Disney Cruise is worth it, whether you choose a Bahamian or Caribbean itinerary. The level of service, entertainment, and overall magic is unparalleled. However, it’s important to weigh the cost against your vacation budget and goals.

Additional Resources for Planning Your Disney Cruise

To help you plan every aspect of your magical voyage, explore these additional resources:

• How to Book Disney Cruises: Essential steps for reserving your magical voyage.
• Ranking Disney’s Cruise Ships: Compare vessels to find your perfect match.
• Disney Cruises Departing from Florida: Details on voyages from the Sunshine State.
• Tips for Castaway Cay: Maximize your visit to Disney’s private island.
• Lookout Cay vs. Castaway Cay: Comparing these two Disney Cruise Destinations.