We were one of the first to sail on Disney's newest cruise ship. Here's what it was like
Much like what I imagine it would be like being the star of your own Disney film, stepping onto the Disney Treasure for the first time to applause and cheers from the crew was something special.
We were invited onboard a special preview sailing of Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, before she sets sail for the first time officially at the end of the month.
The motto for the Disney Treasure is "adventure around every corner" and you very quickly realise passengers are meant to become part of the story of Disney (or Pixar, or Marvel).
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The Grand Hall embodies Disney Treasure's theme of adventure, inspired by Aladdin. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
What's more, the Treasure also for the first time embraces dynamic tales from beloved Disney Parks attractions, offering a whole new range of captivating and immersive experiences on the high seas.
Here's what it was like onboard.
Step onboard the Disney Treasure
The Disney Treasure has a capacity of 4,000 passengers and 1,555 crew, but this preview sailing was only for a limited number of travellers, so that certainly made it easier to get the most out the experience.
Watch the video above.
Although it is worth pointing out here – three nights was not enough time to truly discover everything this stunning ship had to offer.
The first thing you get to appreciate once you get on is the Grand Hall in all its splendour. It is inspired by Disney's Aladdin – unlike Treasure's sister ship The Wish, which takes its nods from Cinderella.
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The Disney Treasure has a capacity of 4,000 passengers. Disney
The cabin
Traditional staterooms on the Treasure are inspired by Aladdin, Pocahontas, Encanto, Up, Finding Nemo, and Luca while concierge staterooms are themed around Lion King.
There's also an EPCOT-inspired Tomorrow Tower Suite and four Royal Suites: two inspired by Rajah, the tiger from Aladdin, and two inspired by Bagheera, the panther in The Jungle Book.
We stayed in a Finding Nemo-themed Verandah Stateroom and not only did our little one love the Disney artwork above the bed, but the bed itself receives rave reviews from us adults as well.
Traditional staterooms on the Treasure are inspired by Disney films - ours was Finding Nemo. Supplied/Nine
The room is also well planned to maximise storage, with the bed set a little higher with room beneath to store luggage.
Another huge plus was having a separate toilet – not something you'd expect to find on a cruise ship – a huge win, especially if you were travelling with multiple family members.
There is also a curtain that can be used to split the room – we had the crib on one side, so it allowed us to use TV/bathrooms without waking baby.
The huge bath and shower onboard. Supplied/Nine
Is a Disney Cruise like the theme parks?
It's a question many often wonder (especially if they are fans of the parks, but have yet to try a cruise). In the case of the Disney Treasure the answer would be closer to yes.
New inclusions like the Haunted Mansion Parlour and Skipper Society are the first time the team have taken inspiration from actual theme park favourites – in this case, the Haunted Mansion ride and the famous Jungle Cruise.
Easily one of my favourite places on the ship, the Haunted Mansion Parlour is packed with Easter eggs fans of the ride will notice and appreciate. The story line onboard though is centred on a ship captain and his spooky bride.
The Haunted Mansion Parlour is inspired by the theme park ride. Supplied/Nine
Guests can easily spend an hour inside, marvelling at how the portraits' eyes move and their subjects' appearances decay over time, then come back to discover something new, by sitting elsewhere in the room.
Oh, and the drinks in the room are equally as spooky. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Can you spot the creepy detail in this mocktail?
Can you spot the creepy detail in this mocktail? Supplied/Nine
The ship is also home to the Periscope Pub, inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which was both a Disney film and a ride, closed down at Walt Disney World but still remaining at Tokyo DisneySea.
For the adults
Both the Parlour and Periscope Pub are adults-only areas, two of many on offer all over the Treasure.
As much as there are plenty of kids areas and things for the little to do - Disney does not forget about the adults.
The Quiet Cove is another adults-only area complete with three pools, hot tub, bar, lounges and cafe. Separated from the bustle of family activities, this adults-only escape spans the entire Aft section of the ship's upper decks.
Adults can indulge in sun-drenched serenity at Quiet Cove. Disney
The Rose Bar on Disney Treasure (also found on the Disney Wish) was definitely a 'Hidden Gem". A chic lounge at the entrance of Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté, it is inspired by the fateful flower at the heart of the Beauty and The Beast Story.
In fact, this entire wing of the ship is dedicated to the famous Disney film, and specifically for adult guests to enjoy.
We enjoyed a delicious meal at Pole Steakhouse – the entire restaurant is dedicated to Cogsworth but still feels luxurious (think leather table tops).
Palo is the only restaurant you'll find on all Disney Cruise ships - but Treasure's version is now a Steakhouse. Supplied/Nine
We tried the Lamb Ragu Paccheri, and A5 Japanese wagu steak as our mains, and the chocolate souffle for desert was spectacular.
The other speciality dining option Enchante, on the other hand, is dedicated to Lumiere and French cuisine.
The Lamb Ragu Paccheri at Pole Steakhouse. Supplied/Nine
Finally one of our other favourite adults-only areas onboard was the Senses Spa - specifically the Rainforest retreat. This is usually access via an extra charge but it is one thing I will always say is worth it, especially if it was a full cruise.
The heated ceramic bed lounges are so warm that it was difficult to get up once you got on one. Other options are a traditional sauna, a steam room, or a hot tub on the outside deck. If you want to give cold therapy a try there is the frigidarium.
The Senses Spa Rainforest retreat was a special place to unwind. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
For the kids
Of course it wouldn't be a Disney Cruise without plenty of things to keep the kids entertained while the adults get to enjoy all the incredible areas we've mentioned above.
On this particular cruise we travelled with our one-year-old baby, so we made use of the "It's a small world" nursery for ages up to three. Reservations are required. But our little on had so much fun there and the staff were wonderful, so would definitely recommend anyone to make use of these options so you can enjoy some time to yourself as well.
There's also the Oceaniers Club, and Teen areas The Hideaway and The Vibe, plus an impressive Hero Zone complete with basketball court, foosball, and air hockey tables.
And of course, a few water slide options including the AquaMouse.
It's a small world nursery for ages 0-3 on Disney Treasure cruise ship Disney
More food
A few other food experiences we really enjoyed onboard were:
- World's of Marvel dinner - Specifically the Marvel Celebration of Heroes featuring the lively duo of Rocket Racoon and Groot from the blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy films. Eat to the beat of an "awesome mix" of hit songs and test your knowledge of the Marvel universe with on-screen trivia and activities for the whole family
- Plaza Del Coco - A brand-new restaurant for the Disney Treasure inspired by Pixar's "Coco." Enjoy musical performances while feasting on Mexican cuisine.
Plaza Del Coco's musical dinner. Supplied/Nine
- Marketline buffet - The food stations include Chef's Counter, Signature Choices, Kid's Counter, Market Deli (salads), Pantry Favourites (desserts), and Fresh Fare. I definitely got Mickey waffles from he Kid's Counter though!
- Pool deck takeaway options - Up on Deck 11, the pool deck, there are lots of delicious options for meals and snacks. Goofy's Grill, Mickey's Smokehouse BBQ, Pizza Pies and Donald's Cantina are all great options for a quick bite.
- Jumbeaux's Sweets - new to Disney Treasure inspired by the Disney animated movie Zootopia. Definitely go for the gelato and toppings!
Disney's Castaway Cay
Disney's Castaway Cay, or simply Castaway Cay, is a private island in the Bahamas which serves as an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise Line ships. It is located near Great Abaco Island and was formerly known as Gorda Cay.
You'll find ample beach lounges, a few places for lunch, activities like snorkelling, sailing, paddle boats. We had a great time playing in the lagoon – and there was also a splash zone for the littles. If you want to stretch your legs you can also rent a bike for a 5km ride around the island.
Castaway Cay, is a private island in the Bahamas is an exclusive port for the Disney Cruise ships. Supplied/Nine
The Disney Treasure will sail in the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Florida. Supplied/Nine
Where will Disney Treasure sail?
The Disney Treasure will sail seven-night itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean from its home port of Port Canaveral, Florida. It will sail its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024.
Is it worth the 25+ hour journey to get there from Australia? To be honest, the ship was incredible - and the added Disney magic is sure to put a smile on anyone's face. The long journey there was quickly forgotten.
Unlike the one back home, sadly!
The writer travelled as a guest of Disney Cruise Lines.
