Ahoy Heather!
Thanks for bringing such a great question our way – this is why we’re here, to offer our experience and heartfelt advice so you can make the most of your Disney Cruise Line vacation! The Disney Fantasy is my favorite ship, and the Eastern Caribbean itinerary visits islands that are close to my heart. My husband and I were married on St. Thomas and honeymooned in the BVI so when we took this cruise as a family it was incredibly and fun and special for our son to see these magical islands. I’ve also stayed on many different parts of the ship, so let’s talk stateroom location for these beautiful ports!
One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is go on my verandah and watch the ship dock each morning in port. It’s fascinating to see the Captain guide these huge vessels so smoothly, and the deck crew working hard with their many tasks and great teamwork to secure the lines so we can disembark safely. When you are facing the bow (front) of the ship, port is left and starboard is right.
I looked back on my vacation photos to confirm but then did some additional research, and unfortunately it seems in both St. Thomas, USVI and Tortola, BVI the direction of the ship at the pier can change based on weather, tides, and other ships in port that day. It seems that more often than not, the Disney Fantasy faces the island of St. Thomas when pulling in – the view from port side staterooms is across the bay and to the town of Charlotte Amalie and the starboard side looks at the lush mountain nearby. In Tortola, your view is very similar whether the ship backs in or pulls forward into the pier – the pier itself is in a wide bay with views of both water and island greenery on either side. On my particular cruise we pulled straight into Tortola, and our starboard room view was lovely.
At Disney Castaway Cay, the ships always have the stern facing the island for that picture-perfect shot! From a port side stateroom you will see across the ocean to other tiny Bahamian islands and palm trees of Castaway Cay. The starboard side staterooms have the quintessential view of the full Guest side of Castaway Cay that you may have seen in photos on the Disney Cruise Line website or the image I selected for you at the top of this answer! Check out the map at the bottom of this page for an idea, too. My family loves to have an early breakfast at Cabanas and sit starboard, aft, outside so that we can take in this heavenly view before the island gets busy. You can see all the way to Serenity Bay and imagine all the fun to be had across the island’s offerings together that day.
No matter your stateroom location, I hope you can get out and explore the ports - the best views are from the ground on this beautiful itinerary! Each of these destinations is full of charming island culture, Port Adventures both exciting and relaxing, and delicious local foods.
I hope this helps give you a fresh perspective on your vantage point, but please know the direction of the ship can change in St. Thomas and Tortola. I know you’ll have a stunning view and even better adventures on each island throughout this special week.
Please let us know what other questions you have as put together the details of your trip. It's truly our pleasure to help however we can!
Wishing you a magical cruise,
Amy
FAQs
The starboard side staterooms have the quintessential view of the full Guest side of Castaway Cay that you may have seen in photos on the Disney Cruise Line website or the image I selected for you at the top of this answer! Check out the map at the bottom of this page for an idea, too.
When can I get to the port on the Disney cruise ship? ›
Guests who did not have an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In in advance or do not have a Port Arrival Time should plan to arrive after 2:00 PM. During your designated Port Arrival Time, representatives will verify your citizenship documentation and complete your check in.
Where does the Disney Fantasy dock? ›
The Disney Fantasy mainly sails out of Port Canaveral, FL on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating Eastern and Western – including a stop at Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Does Disney Fantasy have a pirate night? ›
Once onboard the ship, the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will be your best friend, as it has a detailed schedule of all the events and their times and locations throughout the day for Pirate Night. Being able to experience Pirate Night onboard Disney Fantasy was one of the highlights of our cruise!
What is the best floor to stay on a Disney cruise? ›
What is the Best Level to Stay on a Disney Cruise? No matter if it's the best deck on Disney Wish, or any other deck on a ship in the DCL fleet, the best deck to stay on is two decks below any of the restaurants. This is typically decks 8 and 9 on most of the ships.
What is the best deck to stay on a Disney cruise? ›
I approach it on two fronts: with stateroom position and with medicine. In my opinion, the best position on the ship for a Disney Wish Stateroom with Verandah is where there is the least amount of movement and that would be midship lower levels such as Deck 6 and Deck 7.
What time does Disney cruise start boarding? ›
HOW EARLY CAN I BOARD THE SHIP? For Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, check-in registration begins at 11:00 am and embarkation begins at 1:00 pm. All Guests must board the ship no later than 4:00 pm.
What time does Disney cruise check-in start? ›
Check-in becomes available at midnight Eastern Time, on staggered dates based on your Castaway Club status. You're not required to check in at that exact time, but many guests choose to sacrifice sleep to complete their check-in right at midnight.
How does disembarkation work on Disney cruises? ›
You'll walk off the ship with any luggage that you have with you. If you are doing Express Walk-Off, you can exit the ship as soon as the ship is cleared. If you're not doing Express Walk-Off, you can exit the ship when your group is called. You'll need your Key to the World card with you as you exit.
What is special about Disney Fantasy? ›
From delicious dining to Broadway-style shows and character meet-and-greets, Disney Fantasy is an unparalleled experience for Disney fans, families and couples alike. If you've ever wished upon a star for the perfect getaway, then prepare to grab the helm as we navigate the seas of fun aboard the Fantasy. And surprise!
Disney Fantasy current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Western Caribbean Cruise From Port Canaveral.
How much does it cost to go on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship? ›
The cost of a Disney cruise can vary dramatically based on your needs and sailing preferences. However, you should expect to spend at least $1,000 on a cruise for two passengers. The price goes up from there depending on your cabin selection, trip duration and destination choices, among other options.
Is there a casino on Disney Fantasy cruise ship? ›
The ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet do not include casinos, but you will find plenty of activities in the evening geared toward adults. There are nightclubs and lounges onboard each ship that hold adult-exclusive activities such as live music, karaoke, and variety acts at night.
What time are the shows on Disney Fantasy? ›
But in general there will be two performances of the same show each evening, one at about 5:45 or 6:00 p.m. and one at about 8:15 or 8:30. These times are the inverse of the main dining room seating times. So if you have a 6:00 dinner time, then you'll be able to see the 8:30 stage show, and vice versa.
Do adults dress up for pirate Night on Disney Cruise? ›
Disney Cruise Line requests that adults only wear costumes during Pirate Night (onboard certain itineraries) or on select Halloween on the High Seas voyages, and Marvel Day at Sea celebrations.
Which side of Disney cruise is better? ›
Starboard-side cabins have the best view of the island when docked, since the ship is usually "backed in" at the port.
Which part of the ship is best on Disney Cruise? ›
The best location on a Disney cruise ship for the best views (widest vistas) is the very front or the very back of the ship. The best location on a Disney cruise ship if you are prone to getting seasick is the center part of the ship because you'll feel the least movement there.
Is starboard or port side better? ›
Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.
Is aft or forward better on Disney Cruise? ›
Since it's your family's first cruise, I would recommend booking a mid-ship or aft stateroom (in that order). Forward staterooms tend to feel the most motion of the sea and just in case you have anyone prone to seasickness, a strategic location might help lessen those symptoms.
