3, 4, 5, or 7 night Disney cruise?
Disney Cruise Lines offers a variety of cruise lengths, but which one fits you and your crew the best? So far we’ve sailed multiple 3 night, 4 night, 5 night, and 7 night cruises and they each have pro’s and cons.
3 Night Cruises
This is our least favorite length of cruise, yet we’ve sailed more 3 night bookings than any other. Typically these sailings are Friday-Monday which allows them to fit into a long weekend during the school year. These are also considered “taster” or introductory cruises as they are usually the cheapest fares as well. Given that Kirk & Emily neither one had ever been a cruise and we could do it over a long weekend break offseason were reasons we chose a 3-night Cruise for our first Cruise. And as a first cruise, especially with young children, that proved to be a wise move. Our third cruise, and first onboard the Disney Wish, was a 3 night Cruise as was our second sailing onboard the Disney Dream for Emily’s 8th Birthday.
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Fits over a long weekend
Cheaper Fares, especially off-season
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Too short - really don’t get to unpack
Travel expenses to Florida the same for 3 nights as 7 nights
Limited Itinerary selection
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Those looking for their first cruise to make sure people don’t get sea sick before a longer cruise
Add on to existing vacation to Walt Disney World
Local Florida Residents who can book “last minute” deals
4 Night Cruises
4 Night Cruises are often scheduled Monday - Friday or during special holidays. Our first sailing on board the Dream was our first 4 night cruise. And unlike the 3-night cruise it seemed to be just long enough to get to enjoy the ship. We were able to squeeze it in between Christmas and New Years and included a few days at the Parks before the Cruise so we were able to enjoy a twofer. Unlike the 3-night cruises, 4-night cruises typically includes at least 1 day at sea allowing one the chance to actually enjoy what the ship has to offer.
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Long enough to actually get unpacked
Easily works with a trip to the port, especially if sailing from Port Canaveral and can take free transport from the resorts to the port and back.
Includes a Day at Sea to enjoy the ship.
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Feels more like a trip rather than a vacation.
Same amount of travel time & expense to/from Florida as longer cruises.
Limited Selection of Ships & Itineraries
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Those parties who may have a member who does not really enjoy cruising as much
Those who have trouble finding time for longer cruises
5 Night Cruises
If your schedule permits and your sailing party knows they have sea legs, 5 night cruises seem to be the sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you are on an actual vacation. There are a variety of ships and itineraries to choose from with more distant and exciting locations. These cruises typically include two days at sea giving you plenty of chances to experience on board activities. Kids can enjoy the kids clubs, adults can enjoy Senses and the Adult areas, and everyone can feel like they were on vacation.
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Long enough to unwind and feel like a vacation.
Spreads cost of travel to/from port over more days.
Multiple Days at Sea
More Options for Ports of Call
More Options of Ships
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Not all ships sail 5 night cruises
Still doesn’t get you all show options (no animate your drawings at Animators Pallet)
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Those who time & budget allow for a 5 night cruise
Those who know they have sea legs or how to mitigate motion sickness
Most people looking for a vacation
7 Night Cruises
Seven night cruises seem to about the ideal length. These itineraries often include multiple ports of call with multiple sea days allowing you to enjoy new locales as well as days to enjoy on board activities. However these cruises can also start to get pricy as even inside cabins can reach into the high 4 digits and verandas can easily be 5 figures. This puts it out the budget range for many without saving for years to pay for the cruise. And that’s just the cost of the cruise, not including travel to/from the port. The flip side is that these are oftentimes some of the best itineraries including unique destinations such as Alaska, the Mediterranean, or a tour of the Norwegian Fjords. However, if your schedule permits, you can find repositioning cruises often at a step discount including transiting the Panama Canal and trips from the West Coast to Hawaii. Also this is the only way to see exclusive shows such as Animator’s Palette bringing kids drawings to life in the dinner show. This option is not available on shorter cruises.
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Get Full Experience with Animators Pallet with kids art brought to life
Ideal length to feel like a real vacation away from work
Plenty of time to explore ship
Better & Unique itineraries
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Not all Ships sail 7 night cruises
Typically More Expensive
A week out of communications can be hard for those at the apex of their careers
Departure ports require international travel (Vancouver, Canada/Rome, Italy/South Hampton England)
Requires more planning for luggage
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Those who already know they enjoy cruising.
Those who budgets permit
Those who want to see unique destinations best reached via boat such as Alaska and the Greek Isles
8+ Night Cruises
We have not yet sailed on an eight night cruise, but will be in 2027 to the Greek Isles.
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Exciting Destinations: Alaska, North Atlantic, Greek Isles, Trans-Pacific
Can be affordable with repositioning cruises
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Disney XM all the time gets old by day 7, especially on smaller ships like the Magic
Typically more expensive unless repositioning cruise
Need to consider on board laundry services
May need to consider booking hair/nail appointments
Few offerings for certain itineraries (1 or 2 cruises offered per year)
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Those who are retired
Those who can make off-off season work
Those who really love Disney and Cruising