Imagine this happy day – you’ve booked and paid for your cruise on Disney Cruise Line. You have budgeted for the tips on the cruise. If you aren’t sure what to budget, check out my article “Tips on Tipping on a Disney Cruise.” The question now – what is NOT included in the price of my Disney Cruise? Hopefully this article will provide some guidance. It is not a complete list but it will help you to further budget for your wonderful vacation.

Port adventures

Your cruise is stopping at wonderful places.  You don’t have to book shore excursions, but sometimes the best way to see a port is on a tour. Discover new cultures, snorkel with turtles, see ancient ruins.  You can book through Disney Cruise Line or on your own.  Either way, the cost of any port adventure is extra.

Cozumel Highlights, Ruins and Discover Mexico Cultural Park Port Adventure- Photo Credit Stephanie Fowler

Spa and salon appointments

Relax and be pampered with a multitude of spa treatments and salon services.  Treat yourself to a mani/pedi.  All spa and salon appointments are an additional charge.

Senses Spa – Photo by Disney

Alcohol, tastings

All alcoholic beverages are extra whether you are relaxing on deck, sitting in one of the many lounges onboard, or enjoying a bottle of wine with dinner.  Disney Cruise Line also offers different tastings (wine, whiskey, tequila, etc) or a chance to learn to make your own in a mixology class.  The costs are in addition to your cruise fare.

Mixology lessons – Photo by Mary Spina

Cove Cafe and Vista Cafe

Do you enjoy a caramel macchiato or a cafe americano?  Perhaps a latte?  The Cove Cafe (in the adult area of the ship) and the Vista Cafe offer many different coffee and tea drinks as well as cocktails for an additional cost.  However, the pastries offered in both places are included in the price of your cruise fare.  Feel free to pick a few to have with your latte!

Cove Cafe – Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line

“it’s a small world” Nursery

The activities for children 3-12 years old (Oceaneer’s Club and Lab, the Edge, and the Vibe) are included in the cost of your cruise fare.  For those youngsters from 6 months to 3 years old (or from 1 to 3 years old on Transatlantic, Hawaii and Panama Canal itineraries), “it’s a small world” nursery can be booked.  They can play games, make crafts, watch movies or just take a nap while you embark on adventures of your own.   I

DIStracted Tip:  Space is limited.  Book in advance.

it’s a small world nursery Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line

Shopping onboard

Like any other vacation, the cost of souvenirs is extra.  But who can resist bringing home a memento to remember your Disney Cruise?

Transportation to/from port

If you are traveling to or from Walt Disney World, Magical Express is free.  However, transportation to and from the port is an additional cost.  You can book through Disney Cruise Line or book private transportation.  The cost of parking is additional if you are driving to the port.

Photos

The ship’s photographers are available to capture the magical moments of your vacation.  Perhaps you and your family will pose for a picture on the ship’s grand staircase.  Maybe there is a great picture of your kids with their favorite characters.  There are many opportunities to get wonderful pictures.  Retrieve, review and purchase your photos at Shutters, the onboard photo store.  You can also pre-purchase photo packages at My Cruise Photos.

Snacks at the theater

It’s time for the nightly Broadway-style show or perhaps you are catching the latest Disney movie in the theater.  Snacks are available outside of the theater for a charge.

Palo and Remy

The adults-only dining options at Palo and Remy are wonderful add-ons.  You can enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine at Palo or French-inspired cuisine at Remy.  Brunch or dinner in your plans? Maybe you would like to try the small plates offering at Remy – Petites Assiettes de Remy.  Additional charges apply.

Palo – Photo by Kent Phillips

I hope this article helps you to budget for your Disney Cruise.  Bon voyage!