They’re known by many names: Port Adventures, Land Adventures, Shore Excursions, Port Excursions, or Shoreside Activities. Whatever you call them, Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures all have one thing in common: they’re a great way to experience a local adventure during cruises! Depending on the destination, you might have hundreds of possibilities to choose from. So which should you choose, and which should you let sail you by? Here are our picks for some of the Best Disney Cruise Excursions in the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Jump directly to the best excursions in:
- Castaway Cay, Bahamas
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Falmouth, Jamaica
- George Town, Grand Cayman
- King’s Wharf, Bermuda
- Nassau, Bahamas
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Or read on to find out more about Port Adventures and how to get them for free.
What are Disney Cruise Port Adventures?
“Port Adventures” is the name Disney uses for organized off-ship activities. You can always leave the ship for free when it’s in port, and there’s never any charge to explore on your own. A Port Adventure is an optional paid experience that offers a bit more structure to your time on shore.
Whatever you’re looking for — invigorating or relaxing, cultural or touristy, complex or simple, short or long — odds are you’ll find it offered as a Disney Cruise Port Adventure.
How Much are Shore Excursions in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda?
There’s a Port Adventure for every budget. You can spend about $18 to rent a two-seater paddle boat at Castaway Cay — or you can charter a private fishing vessel for the day in Tortola, British Virgin Islands for $6,599.
Don’t let the priciest options scare you away. Many excursions fall well below $100 per-person and are quite reasonable.
We checked prices of all excursions Disney Cruise Line offered in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda at the time we wrote this article, and here’s what we found:
- $1 – $49: 103 options
- $50 – $99: 303 options
- $100 – $199: 186 options
- $200 and up: 110 options
There are plenty of great options at each of the price points, and you don’t certainly don’t have to spend a huge amount to have a good time.
If you don’t mind splurging just a little, we’ve found that $125-$250 per person should be enough to buy you a truly unforgettable port adventure in the area. Though you likely wouldn’t want to spend this much in every port, it’s worth considering at least once during your cruise. And you can take heart in knowing that excursion prices in this part of the world are much more affordable than, say, Disney Cruise excursions in Alaska or European cruise excursions.
How to Get Free Excursions on a Disney Cruise
Port Adventures are not included in the cost of your Disney Cruise, but you can still get them for free if you know how.
Book your cruise through a Disney travel agent to earn Onboard Credit for excursions and other purchases during your cruise.
The Vacationeer offers up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit when you book your cruise through them.
Your cruise won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself, and they don’t charge any planning fees.
When Do You Pay for Disney Cruise Port Adventures?
In most cases, charges for your shore excursion are applied through your shipboard account; you won’t actually pay until you settle your account at the end of your cruise. That’s great news if you’re have an onboard credit from your travel agent, because it means you can use that “free money” toward your excursions.
Now, on to our list.
We’ve picked some of the best offerings at multiple ports and across different price points.
Prices shown are per person unless indicated otherwise. Some offerings may be limited to certain itineraries or times of year.
There are many more offerings and plenty of additional ports. So if you see something that looks almost perfect, you can check out the full list of Port Adventures to find similar offerings with different options, prices, and locations.
As Disney’s own private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay offers an exclusive Bahamian hideaway that’s open only to one Disney cruise ship a day — and no one else! There’s plenty to do for free on the island, but also a wide array of optional paid activities.
Bicycle Rentals (C04)
One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to explore Castaway Cay. Enjoy a one-hour bike rental as you explore nature paths and offshore terrain. Ride along the island’s historic (and historically dubious) airstrip and wheel your way to the observation tower for an elevated view of Disney’s Private Island.
Activity Level:
Active
Requirements:
Ages 3+
Duration:
1.0 hour
Cost:
$13 for ages 10+
$13 for ages 3-9
Rates are per bike, per hour
Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure (C13)
Enter the shallow stingray lagoon for an up-close encounter. Using a specially-designed feeding ramp and tray, your guide will show you how to place food just right in your hand to allow a stingray to glide over and gobble up their meal. You’ll also have a chance to pet one of these beautiful, often misunderstood creatures. Then, grab your snorkel to observe 60+ stingrays in a beautiful lagoon. Concerned about safety? Stingrays have no teeth, and Castaway Cay keeps its captive stingrays’ barbs safely (and humanely) trimmed.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 5+ (ages 5-16 with adult 18+)
Duration:
1.0 hour
Cost:
$56 for ages 10+
$45 for ages 5-9
Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage (C11)
Did you know Castaway Cay has a barrier reef? Board a glass bottom boat for a voyage beyond the protected lagoon out to the undeveloped north side of the island. You’ll stay dry as you look down through bottom-mounted windows to discover tropical fish, sea creatures, and the coral reefs that protect the island.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Open to all ages.
Limited seats; guests may be required to stand.
Duration:
1.0 hour
Cost:
$59 for ages 10+
$39 for ages 3-9
$39 for ages 2 and under
Parasailing (C08)
Meet and mingle with fellow cruisers as you’re divided into groups and board separate boats. Soon, it will be your turn to experience an unforgettable beauty parasailing flight 600-800 feet in the air. You’ll enjoy about 5-7 minutes of flight time before being gently pulled back down to the boat.
Activity Level:
Active
Requirements:
Ages 8+ (under age 13 must fly with adult age 18+).
Age 13-19 must check in with parent/guardian.
Must weigh 90-375 pounds.
Tandem riders max 375 pounds combined.
Tandem ride may be required.
Duration:
1.0 hour
Cost:
$129 for ages 10+
$129 for ages 8-9
Get Free Help Booking Your Cruise to Castaway Cay
Considering on a Disney Cruise? Reach out to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer to make sure you don’t miss anything!
You’ll have your own dedicated agent from start to finish — no massive call centers and no waiting on hold! Not only will they book your cruise, but they’ll also handle all your Port Adventure bookings.
And best of all, their services are completely free! Your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself (and it might even cost less)!
So contact The Vacationeer today, and ask about their free onboard credit to spend on excursions or virtually anything else onboard the ship!
Image © Disney
Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Costa Maya offers a unique mix of lush jungles and sandy beaches. With a history shaped by ancient Mayans, English pirates, and the Mexican Navy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting area of unspoiled natural beauty.
Salsa Cooking & Dancing with Beach Break (CM30)
Take a hands-on cooking class that teaches you how to make authentic Mexican salsas and guacamole. You’ll get to taste your creations afterwards (with complimentary margaritas, beers, and flavored waters) — and take recipes with you to create them again at home. Speaking of Salsa, you’ll also learn the steps of the famous dance of the same name. A bit of beach time rounds out your experience.
Activity Level:
Mild, Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 6+
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$75 for ages 10+
$54 for ages 6-9
Adventure Park and Chacchoben Mayan Ruins (CM46)
Mix the ancient with the exhilarating on this multi-faceted experience. First, spend nearly two hours on an educational guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben — a renowned archaeological site. Then, move on to the purely fun-focused portion of the day at Mayá Lost Mayan Kingdom, featuring 8 water slides, a slow inner tube ride, and two zip line courses.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Open to all ages (6+ recommended)
Advisory:
Mexico Government charges $5 USD fee for camera use in ruins. Tripod use requires a permit and payment of a fee described by Disney Cruise Line as “exorbitant.”
Duration:
6.5 to 7.0 hours
Cost:
$160 for ages 10+
$155 for ages 3-9
Free for ages 2 and under
Image © Disney
From its earliest days of settlement by the ancient Mayans, natural beauty has drawn people to Cozumel. Over the years it has played host to everyone from pirates to refugees — and now tourists. Whether you’re seeking the stunning coral reefs or a plate of tantalizing food from one of the 100+ restaurants, Cozumel is yours to explore.
Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program (CZ48)
Take a brief ride to Sunset beach, then help a group of local nonprofit’s marine biologists restore the coral reefs of Cozumel. This activity includes hands-on restoration work, followed by recreation such as snorkeling and beach time. End the experience with a certificate of participation and a ride back to the ship.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 10+
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$49 for ages 10+
A Mexican Winter Holiday and Beach Adventure (CZ92)
Set out on foot for the traditional Las Posadas nativity procession, singing carols and making decorations. Feast on sweet bread, tamales, fried codzitos, and pumpkin seed salsa. Then, spend about 90 minutes at Playa Mia Grand Beach before picking up your keepsake and returning to the ship
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Open to all ages
Duration:
4.5 to 5.0 hours
Cost:
$94 for ages 10+
$79 for ages 3-9
Free for ages 0-2
Dolphin and Manatee Encounter in a National Park All Inclusive (CZ04)
Visit Dolphin Discovery for a 40-minute in-water encounter with gentle and playful dolphins. Then, enjoy a brief manatee encounter along with an internationally-inspired lunch.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Ages 3+.
Ages 3-12 must book w/ adult 18+ on same CZ04.
Ages 13-17 must book w/ adult 18+ on CZ04 or matching CZ25.
Advisory:
Medical restrictions apply.
No cameras.
No jewelry.
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$114 for ages 10+
$99 for ages 3-9
Dolphin Trainer For A Day in Cozumel – All Inclusive (CZ40)
Image © Disney
Travel to Dolphinaris to begin your dolphin training experience. Shadow professional trainers as you learn how to feed the dolphins and how to train them using hand signals. Teach your dolphin students to vocalize and jump at your request, and experience a thrilling “hang on tight” swim with one of the dolphins, followed by a flipper shake and a kiss. This experience includes lots of close contact with these amazing creatures.
Activity Level:
Moderate, Active
Requirements:
Ages 10+.
To observe but not participate, book CZ41.
Duration:
5.0 to 5.5 hours
Cost:
$255 for ages 10+
Image © Disney
Falmouth has come a long way from its early days as a shipment hub for sugar plantations, but still retains some of its old world charm — right down to the architecture. Its bustling days are over, but that’s just fine for a relaxing visit during your cruise. So go ahead — enjoy a plate of jerk chicken and dip your toes in the sparkling waters of this peaceful Caribbean destination.
Falmouth Dolphin Encounter (FA76)
Take a one-hour motorcoach ride along the Jamaican coastline to Dolphin Cove for an up-close encounter with friendly dolphins. Mount a shallow-water platform for a 30-minute interaction full of hands-on activity, splashes, and maybe even a dolphin “kiss” Then, enjoy the pool, whirlpool tub, or lounge chairs on the pool deck before returning to the ship.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Open to all ages (6+ recommended).
Ages 0-12 must book w/ adult 18+ on same FA76.
Ages 13-17 must book w/ adult 18+ on same FA76 or matching FA78.
Advisory:
Medical restrictions apply
Duration:
5.5 to 6.0 hours
Cost:
$89 for ages 10+
$69 for ages 3-9
Free for ages 0-2
Sky Explorer and Dunn’s River Falls (FA11)
Travel one hour to Dunn’s River Falls — then, if you like, begin a 600-foot climb up the cascading falls (additional one hour). Then, take a short ride to Mystic Mountain where you’ll ride the Sky Explorer chairlift through dense tropical forests with stunning views of the cliffs and turquoise waters below. At the end of your 15-minute journey lies Mystic Pavilion, featuring educational and interactive history exhibits. A Jamaican-inspired lunch is included, and you can round out your visit with views from the observation tower. Take a second ride on the Sky Explorer to begin your return to the ship.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Open to all ages (6+ recommended).
Must be 36″+ tall to climb falls.
Duration:
5.5 to 6.0 hours
Cost:
$124 for ages 10+
$69 for ages 3-9
Free for ages 0-2
Bobsled Jamaica and Dunn’s River Falls (FA10)
Travel one hour to Dunn’s River Falls for an optional hike up the 600-foot falls, followed by another short ride to Mystic Mountain. Ride the Sky Explorer chairlift and explore the educational pavilion before continuing to Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica. This coaster-style attraction evokes the design of bobsleds used by the famed Jamaican Olympic team. The 3,280-foot track is specially designed to avoid disturbing the natural landscape, so expect plenty of twists and turns around ancient trees, majestic cliffs, stone outcrops, and dense rainforest canopies. You control the brakes, so your trip can be as leisurely or as thrilling as you like. Your bobsled then slowly returns back up the mountain. A Jamaican-inspired lunch is also included, and you’ll have time to take in mountaintop views from the observation tower before you head back to the ship.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 5+.
Must be 42″+ tall.
Must weigh 275 pounds or less.
Advisory:
Medical restrictions apply
Duration:
6.0 to 6.5 hours
Cost:
$144 for ages 10+
$79 for ages 5-9
Image © Disney
Located on the largest of the Cayman Islands, and home to the majority of islanders, George Town is known for its lively culture. Like so much of the area, it has a rocky history of territorial disputes, hurricanes, and economic challenges. Now a British Overseas Territory, it’s a haven for tourists seeking natural beauty and great weather.
Shipwreck and Reef Snorkeling (G15)
Board a custom-built snorkeling ship and explore two different sites. First, spend about 45 minutes snorkeling the shipwreck of the Cali, a 220-foot steel schooner that sank in the 1940s. Then, snorkel a nearby reef as your guides feed the fish to bring them closer to you.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 5+
Duration:
2.0 to 2.5 hours
Cost:
$54 for ages 10+
$34 for ages 5-9
North Sound Mangrove Cruise & Star Fish Point (G70)
Set out from Morgan’s Harbor, then cruise up the North Sound and the area’s Mangrove Swamp, en route to the “starfish petting zoo” at Starfish Point. You’ll have a chance to not only see — but also to touch and hold — starfish during your experience.
Activity Level:
Athletic
Requirements:
Ages 8+
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$56 for ages 10+
$50 for ages 8-9
Atlantis Submarine Expedition (G11)
Climb down the hatch of a 65-foot, 80-ton submarine and dive 100 feet through Grand Cayman’s underwater marine park. You’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring this underwater paradise, viewing the amazing Coral Canyons through large porthole windows directly in front of your seat. A marine expert accompanies your voyage to share information and answer questions.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Ages 4+
Must be 36″+ tall
Duration:
2.0 to 2.5 hours
Cost:
$120 for ages 10+
$70 for ages 4-9
Image © Disney
Bermuda plays host to an eclectic mix of American, British, and West Indian culture. Add natural attractions such as the Crystal Caves to manmade sights including the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and one can quickly understand why Bermuda draws so many tourists each year.
Bermuda Triangle Evening Cruise (BR15)
A special treat on cruises that spend the night in King’s Wharf, this unique nighttime adventure takes takes you into the heart of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Board a 50-foot glass-bottom boat for ghostly commentary about the history and legends of the area. Underwater lights and windows reveal sea life below.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Ages 12+
Duration:
1.5 to 2.0 hours
Cost:
$75 for ages 12+
Crystal Caves and Pink Flamingos (BR22)
Descend 80 feet below the surface of the earth, traveling past limestone formations and crystalized stalactites and over underground lakes. Then, visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo to explore more than 200 species of animals. View sea creatures from nearby coastal waters, flamingoes, seals, tortoises, and more.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Open to all ages
Duration:
4.5 to 5.0 hours
Cost:
$155 for ages 10+
$125 for ages 3-9
$85 for ages 0-2
Haunted History Tour of St. George’s (BR41)
Take a motorcoach to St. Georges, a UNESCO World Heritage town which dates back to 1609. Enjoy dinner at Fort St. Catherine before beginning a guided haunted history walking tour. Cast members bring ghost stories to life as you explore 18th-century homes, the historic cemetery of Their Majesties Chapel of St. Peter’s Church. Conclude at the land-based replica of Deliverance, a 1600s ship that was itself built from the remains the shipwrecked Sea Venture.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 5+
Duration:
5.5 to 6.0 hours
Cost:
$199 for ages 10+
$149 for ages 5-9
Craft Your Own Pink Sand Jewelry (BR48)
Image © Disney
Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes jewelry-making activity at Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery. You’ll enjoy themed pink refreshments and locally-made treats, then get hands-on while customizing your very own keepsake from the region’s famed pastel sands.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 5+
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$389 for ages 10+
$239 for ages 5-9
Image © Disney
Arguably the most famous port in the Bahamas, Nassau’s close proximity to the United States makes it a frequent cruise destination. Far removed from — yet still shaped by — a history marked with piracy and colonialism, Nassau is now a vibrant and colorful town welcoming millions of tourists by air and sea each year.
Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre (N16)
Start with a brief bus tour of the city’s architectural treasures and 200-year old pastel buildings including the Houses of Parliament and Government House. Upon arrival at the conservation center, participate in the Bahamas only authentic flamingo experience. The “Ballerinas in Pink” here have been trained to march and delight guests. Enjoy up-close and personal encounters with macaws, peacocks, snakes, turtles and more creatures in a nearly century-old stone-walled garden setting.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Open to all ages
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$69 for ages 10+
$49 for ages 3-9
Free for ages 0-2
Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine (N42)
Take a 20-minute scenic cruise through Nassau Harbor to the marine park at Athol Island. Then, transfer to the SeaWorld Explorer for a 45-minute adventure. The vehicle remains above water but features underwater windows allowing you to view the Sea Gardens coral colony and tropical fish. Then, spend a bit of time in downtown Nassau before returning to the ship.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Open to all ages
Duration:
1.5 to 2.0 hours
Cost:
$69 for ages 10+
$46 for ages 3-9
$46 for ages 0-2
Graycliff Chocolatier – The Art of Chocolate Making and Factory Tour (N54)
Visit Graycliff Chocolatier for a delicious hands-on exploration of the chocolate-making process. You’ll start with a fascinating factory tour, witnessing cacao beans being ground and roasted, liquid chocolate being mixed, and molds being filled. You’ll also learn a bit about the importance of responsible farming in the chocolate trades. Afterwards, its time to dress in special hygienic clothing and try it for yourself! An expert chocolatier teaches you how to dip, glaze, and fill molds to create your own delectable chocolate treats to take home with you. And for good measure, you’ll get to sample several different kinds of chocolate during the event. Note that this is by far one of the most popular excursions in the entire region, and space is extremely limited — book as early as you can.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Ages 5+
Duration:
1.5 to 2.0 hours
Cost:
$69 for ages 10+
$62 for ages 5-9
Blackbeard’s Revenge Pirate Ship Adventure (N23)
Board Blackbeard’s Revenge, a replica of an 18th-century pirate ship, and sail along Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island for a pirate adventure. Your crew enacts tales from the Golden age of piracy while you learn about the area’s rich history and historic forts. Feel free to join in the pirate antics if you like. You’ll also catch glimpses of (but will kindly refrain from pillaging) celebrity mansions and super yachts throughout the tour.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Open to all ages
Duration:
1.5 to 2.0 hours
Cost:
$74 for ages 10+
$44 for ages 3-9
$34 for ages 0-2
Atlantis Aquaventure (N25)
Image © Atlantis
One of the more popular Nassau attractions is the renowned Aquaventure water park at Atlantis Bahamas. Your tour includes transportation for the 25-minute trip from the cruise docks to the resort and admission to its 141-are water park. Enjoy Poseidon’s Playzone, the Leap of Faith slide, Rapids River, and other water attractions during your visit. Take a self-guided tour of The Dig, view the world’s largest open-air marine habitat (home to 50,000+ sea creatures), soak up the sun on the beach, or visit the casino. Prices are a bit higher than just purchasing a day pass to the water park, in part because transportation is included.
Activity Level:
Active
Requirements:
Open to all ages.
Many attractions have height requirements.
Duration:
4.0 to 6.0 hours
Cost:
$239 for ages 10+
$124 for ages 4-9
Free for ages 0-3
Image © Disney
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and most populated city, and the oldest city under jurisdiction of the United States. More than 3,000,000 Americans call Puerto Rico home, and many more are fortunate to visit this lush island as it hosts 500 cruise ships each year. The island’s early Spanish influence is still prevalent, not only in language but also in culture and cuisine.
Bacardi Rum and Distillery Tour — Adult Exclusive (SJ55) or Children Welcome (SJ03)
Take a 30-minute ride to the Bacardi Rum Distillery, followed by an hour-long guided tour through the facilities. Learn the history of the company and its production process. Tour the Visitor’s Center and explore the ways sugarcane is converted into molasses and rum. After the tour, enjoy free time for rum tasting in the Visitor’s Center (ages 21+) and shopping in the museum. Then either return directly to the ship or spend additional time shopping in Old San Juan.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Ages 18+ for SJ55.
Ages 3+ for SJ03.
Must be 21+ to drink.
Duration:
2.5 to 3.0 hours
Cost:
$46 for ages 18+
$31 for ages 10-17
$21 for ages 3-9
Horseback Riding Adventure (SJ25)
Visit Hacienda Campo Rico, where your guides will demonstrate how to ride your horse. Riders and horses will be paired by previous riding ability, size, and age for a 2-hour trail ride through a scenic 2,200-acre private ranch that was once a sugarcane plantation. Ride past lagoons, through tropical vegetation, and see the Karsts Mountains and coastal plains.
Activity Level:
Moderate
Requirements:
Ages 9+.
Maximum weight 250 pounds.
Duration:
3.5 to 4.0 hours
Cost:
$92 for ages 9+
A Flair of Spain – Paella Cooking Demonstration and Flamenco (SJ57)
Visit a local restaurant to watch the fascinating process of making Paella. You’ll then enjoy your freshly-made meal (along with a glass of Sangria for those ages 21+) and receive the recipe to take home. During lunch, an energetic Flamenco dance performance highlights your experience.
Activity Level:
Mild
Requirements:
Open to all ages (5+ recommended)
Duration:
3.0 to 3.5 hours
Cost:
$115 for ages 10+
$99 for ages 3-9
Free for ages 0-2
Caving and Body Rafting (SJ59)
Start with a 60-minute drive to a private nature reserve, observing the island’s karst (dissolving limestone) landscape in an area that was once the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival, don your protective gear and hike through an untouched jungle while learning about the Taíno people. Then, climb down into a cave for a hands-on geology lesson. After that, it’s time for Body Rafting, floating downstream by underground springs. Take a brief rest at a traditional mountain cottage until it’s time to head back to your Disney cruise ship.
Activity Level:
Athletic
Requirements:
Ages 10+.
Special clothing requirements apply.
Duration:
6.0 to 6.5 hours
Cost:
$289 for ages 10+
Do I Have to Book Port Adventures Through Disney?
You don’t have to book your excursions through Disney Cruise Line, but you probably should.
Shore excursions are operated by outside companies which contract with Disney. And it’s true many of them offer a substantially similar experience — often at a lower price — when booked independently. And virtually every port has information booths right outside the dock where you can book experiences directly.
So why “waste money” booking through Disney? There are a few reasons:
Peace of mind
If you’ve booked through Disney, they’ll keep track of your experience from start to finish. This is critical if the excursion run late. Disney will hold the ship to allow straggling tours to return — or pay for you to catch up to the ship at the next port-of-call. If you booked on your own, then you’re on your own.
Flexible Payment and Refunds
Port Adventures booked through Disney are charged to your shipboard account and paid at the end of your cruise. Payment for privately-booked tours is often due in full at the time they’re reserved. Disney’s excursions are also usually fully refundable up until three days before your cruise. Privately-booked excursions might have stricter rules or simply be nonrefundable.
Automatic Adjustments
Excursions booked through Disney Cruises are exclusive to Disney passengers, so there’s no worry if the ship’s schedule changes. If the ship arrives in port late, the tour won’t start without you.
If the ship’s scheduled day in port changes, your tour will be automatically adjusted, too. And if the ship has to completely miss a port for some reason, you won’t have to pay for any excursions booked there.
Extra Magic
Not that it’s a crucial part of the experience, but Disney often nudges its tour providers into providing a few extra touches on their Disney Cruise excursions.
For all of these reasons, it’s often best for you or your travel agent to book your excursions directly through Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Cruise Port Adventure FAQs
Do Disney Cruises Visit Disney World?
It’s very rare for a Disney Cruise to directly include time at Walt Disney World. In the past, Disney Cruises from New York visited Port Canaveral and included a one-day Disney world ticket. But that hasn’t been the case for a few years.
You can, however, easily add a Disney World visit immediately before or after your Disney Cruise from Florida. It won’t be included in the cost of your cruise, but you can’t argue with the proximity and convenience.
Disney Cruise Line’s primary home port is Port Canaveral, about 60 miles from Disney World. Orlando International Airport services both destinations. The Disney Cruise shuttle service transports guests between the port, the airport, and Disney World.
Your Disney Travel Agent can help you price out the cost of adding some Disney World time to your Disney Cruise.
Can You Book Excursions Once You’re Onboard?
Port Adventures can be booked onboard the ship, subject to availability. Each ship has a Port Adventures desk.
Do Disney Cruise Excursions Sell Out?
Yes, it’s common for the more popular excursions to sell out well in advance. For the best chance at getting what you want, book as early as possible. There’s no wait list, but you can keep checking to see if space becomes available.
When Can You Book Disney Shore Excursions?
For those cruising with Disney for the first time, Port Adventures can be booked 75 days prior to your sail date. The booking window opens very early — midnight Eastern Time. Your cruise must be paid in full before you can book.
Repeat passengers get an early booking advantage that varies based on Castaway Club level (the number of times they’ve cruised with Disney).
Are Port Adventures Always Guided Tours?
Port Adventures take many forms, and not all of them have tour guides. A few examples include hiring a private vehicle, renting water trikes, chartering boats, or purchasing admission to local attractions.
Are Disney Cruise Excursions Wheelchair Accessible?
Disney’s cruise ships are easily accessible to those using wheelchairs, but the accessibility of experiences offered in ports-of-call can vary. It’s easy to forget that ADA regulations apply only to the United States — it’s the Americans with Disabilities Act — so it can be a bit of a shock when you arrive in another country and find that some areas are not as accessible as one might hope.
That said, Disney now partners with Accessible Travel Solutions to offer wheelchair-accessible Port Adventures in more than 25 countries. Not every excursion will be fully accessible — and while there’s certainly room for improvement — but progress is being made.
Accessible Port Adventures typically include vehicles with wheelchair lifts/ramps, attractions and tour routes with no stairs or with elevators, bathrooms with wider doors, and guides familiar with the needs of guests with disabilities. Disney maintains a list of all its accessible Port Adventures.
Best Way to Book Disney Cruise Excursions
If you’re ready to book your Disney Cruise and all your excursions, we highly recommend contacting The Vacationeer. As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, their expert agents will make sure everything on your cruise is taken care of, from rooms to dining to Port Adventures.
Worried about the cost? Don’t be! Their planning services are completely free and they’ll make sure you get the best possible price on everything.
What’s more, they’ll give you a free onboard credit of up to $1,000 to use for excursions and other shipboard spending.
Add in the convenience of having a single, dedicated travel agent from start to finish, and it’s easy to see why using The Vacationeer is the best way to book your Disney Cruise.
We hope our article has helped you understand more about Disney Cruise excursions in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda — and maybe inspired you to explore some of the amazing adventures offered in port during your cruise.
Bon voyage!
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