Disney Cruise Info: Where To Depart from And Locations For 2023

by | Apr 18, 2023 | Destination Guides & Ports

Introduction

Disney Cruises are a popular vacation option for families and individuals looking for a fun and relaxing getaway. One of the first questions people ask when planning a Disney Cruise is where the ship leaves from. The answer to this question depends on the itinerary of the ship, which can vary throughout the year.

Currently, the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, and the Disney Fantasy sail exclusively out of Port Canaveral in Florida, while the Disney Wonder, the Disney Magic, and the Disney Dream sail from a variety of ports around the world. Some of the most popular departure ports for Disney Cruises include Miami, Galveston, San Diego, and New York City. Each port offers its own unique attractions and amenities, making it an exciting starting point for any Disney Cruise adventure.

Disney Cruise Locations

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of departure ports for its guests. These include ports in the United States and international ports. Depending on the itinerary, guests may embark on a Disney cruise from one of several locations.

Ports in the United States

Disney Cruise Line has four ports in the United States where guests can embark on their cruise. These include:

  • Port Canaveral, Florida: This is the home port for the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. It is also the closest port to Walt Disney World Resort. 
  • Miami, Florida: The Disney Magic sails from Miami on select itineraries. 
  • Galveston, Texas: The Disney Wonder sails from Galveston on select itineraries. 
  • San Diego, California: The Disney Wonder sails from San Diego on select itineraries. 

International Ports

Disney Cruise Line also offers cruises departing from several international ports. These include:

  • Vancouver, British Columbia: The Disney Wonder sails from Vancouver on select itineraries to Alaska. 
  • Barcelona, Spain: The Disney Magic sails from Barcelona on select itineraries to the Mediterranean. 
  • Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: The Disney Magic sails from Civitavecchia on select itineraries to the Mediterranean. 
  • Dover, England: The Disney Magic sails from Dover on select itineraries to Northern Europe. 
  • Copenhagen, Denmark: The Disney Magic sails from Copenhagen on select itineraries to Northern Europe. 
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: The Disney Magic sails from Amsterdam on select itineraries to Northern Europe. 
  • Southampton, England: The Disney Magic sails from Southampton on select itineraries to Northern Europe. 
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Disney Magic sails from San Juan on select itineraries to the Southern Caribbean. 
  • Port Canaveral, Florida: The Disney Fantasy sails from Port Canaveral on select itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 
  • Miami, Florida: The Disney Magic sails from Miami on select itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean. 
  • New York, New York: The Disney Magic sails from New York on select itineraries to Canada and New England. 
  • New Orleans, Louisiana: The Disney Wonder sails from New Orleans on select itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean. 
  • Galveston, Texas: The Disney Wonder sails from Galveston on select itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean. 
  • San Diego, California: The Disney Wonder sails from San Diego on select itineraries to the Mexican Riviera. 

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of departure ports for guests to choose from. Whether guests want to explore the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, Disney Cruise Line has a port for everyone.

Popular Departure Ports

Disney Cruises are a popular way to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories. The cruise line offers a variety of departure ports, each with its unique charm and attractions. Here are some of the most popular departure ports for Disney Cruises:

Port Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral is one of the most popular departure ports for Disney Cruises. It is located on Florida's east coast, just a short drive from Orlando and Walt Disney World. The port is home to Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay, which is a highlight of many Disney Cruises.

In addition to Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral offers easy access to other popular destinations in the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. The port is also home to several attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, which is a must-visit for space enthusiasts.

Miami, Florida

Miami is another popular departure port for Disney Cruises. Located on Florida's southern coast, Miami offers a vibrant and diverse atmosphere that is sure to please travelers of all ages. The port is home to several world-famous beaches, including South Beach, which is known for its Art Deco architecture and lively nightlife.

In addition to its beaches, Miami is also a hub for Latin American culture, which is reflected in its food, music, and art. Visitors can explore the city's many museums, galleries, and cultural centers, or take a day trip to nearby attractions like the Everglades National Park.

San Diego, California

For those looking to explore the West Coast, San Diego is a popular departure port for Disney Cruises. Located on California's southern coast, San Diego is known for its mild climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture.

The port is home to several popular attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the USS Midway Museum. Visitors can also explore the city's many museums, galleries, and cultural centers, or take a day trip to nearby destinations like Los Angeles or Tijuana, Mexico.

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is a departure port for Disney Cruises that offers access to some of the most beautiful destinations in Alaska. The port is located on Canada's west coast and is known for its stunning natural beauty and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the city's many parks, gardens, and cultural centers, or take a day trip to nearby attractions like Whistler or Victoria. The port also offers easy access to Alaska's glaciers, fjords, and wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

Overall, Disney Cruises offer a variety of departure ports that cater to travelers of all interests. Whether you're looking for sun and sand, culture and history, or natural beauty and wildlife, there is a departure port that is sure to meet your needs.

Lesser-Known Departure Ports

Disney Cruises are known for their magical experiences and exciting itineraries. While many people are familiar with the major departure ports, such as Port Canaveral in Florida, there are several lesser-known departure ports that offer unique and exciting cruise experiences. Here are a few of them:

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is famous for its lively music scene, delicious food, and vibrant culture. It is also a lesser-known departure port for Disney Cruises. From New Orleans, guests can embark on a variety of itineraries, including trips to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas. The port is conveniently located near the French Quarter and other popular attractions, making it easy to explore the city before or after your cruise.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Disney Cruises, but it is actually a departure port for several Alaskan itineraries. From Seattle, guests can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Northwest and explore the natural beauty of Alaska. The port is located near popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, making it a great place to start or end your vacation.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It is also a departure port for Disney Cruises in Europe. From Barcelona, guests can embark on Mediterranean itineraries that visit ports in Spain, Italy, and France. The port is conveniently located near popular attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, making it easy to explore the city before or after your cruise.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. It is also a departure port for Disney Cruises in Europe. From Copenhagen, guests can embark on itineraries that visit ports in the Baltic Sea, including stops in Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The port is located near popular attractions like Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid statue, making it a great place to start or end your vacation.

Overall, these lesser-known departure ports offer unique and exciting cruise experiences for guests looking to explore new destinations. Whether you're interested in exploring the natural beauty of Alaska or the vibrant culture of Spain, there's a Disney Cruise itinerary that's perfect for you.

Choosing a Departure Port

When planning a Disney cruise, one of the first decisions to make is which departure port to choose. Disney Cruise Line offers departures from several ports in the United States, including Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and New York. Each port has its own unique features and attractions, so it's important to consider your preferences and needs before making a decision.

Florida Ports

Florida is a popular departure point for Disney cruises, with departures from Port Canaveral, Miami, and Tampa. Port Canaveral is the busiest of the three, with departures for all four Disney ships. It's also home to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, which is a highlight of many Disney cruises. Miami and Tampa offer departures for select itineraries, and they may be more convenient for travelers who live closer to those cities.

Texas Port

Galveston, Texas is another departure point for Disney cruises. It's a convenient option for travelers who live in the southern United States, and it offers departures for select itineraries. Galveston is also home to several attractions, including Moody Gardens and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Louisiana Port

New Orleans, Louisiana is a new departure point for Disney cruises, with departures starting in 2020. It offers departures for select itineraries, and it's a convenient option for travelers who live in the southern United States. New Orleans is known for its rich history, unique culture, and delicious cuisine, so it's a great city to explore before or after your cruise.

New York Port

New York City is a departure point for select itineraries, typically during the summer months. It's a great option for travelers who want to combine a Disney cruise with a trip to the Big Apple. New York City is home to several iconic attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square.

In conclusion, choosing a departure port for your Disney cruise is an important decision that should be based on your preferences and needs. Consider factors like location, attractions, and convenience when making your decision. With so many great options to choose from, you're sure to find a departure port that's perfect for your next Disney cruise.

Conclusion

Disney Cruise Line offers departures from various ports across the United States, including Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, as well as international ports in the Caribbean and Europe. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly getaway or a romantic escape, there's a Disney Cruise itinerary that will suit your needs.

One of the most popular departure ports is Port Canaveral in Florida, which is located near Walt Disney World and offers easy access to the theme park. The Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish all depart from Port Canaveral, making it a convenient choice for many travelers.

Galveston, Texas is another popular departure port, offering easy access for travelers in the southern United States. The Disney Wonder departs from Galveston on select itineraries, giving travelers the chance to explore the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.

For those looking to explore the Eastern Caribbean, the Disney Fantasy departs from San Juan, Puerto Rico, while the Disney Magic departs from Miami, Florida. The Disney Magic also offers departures from New York City, giving travelers the chance to explore Canada and New England.

Overall, Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of departure ports and itineraries, making it easy for travelers to find the perfect cruise for their needs. With top-notch service, world-class entertainment, and exciting destinations, a Disney Cruise is an unforgettable experience that the whole family will love.

Disney cruises are a family favorite.  So, pick your ship, pick your port and have an amazing family vacation!