If you are interested in doubling your Disney Cruise Line fun, consider booking Back-to-Back cruises.
Here are some common questions and answers about Back-to-Back cruises on the Disney Cruise Line:
Q1: What does it mean to take Back-to-Back cruises on the Disney Cruise Line?
A: Back-to-Back cruising refers to taking two cruises consecutively on the same ship. For example, you might want to take a seven-day voyage on a ship that only offers three-day cruises and four-day cruises. Book two cruises, one right after the other, and build your own seven-day cruise!
Q2: What are the advantages of Back-to-Back sailings?
A: With Back-to-Back voyages, you can get a longer cruise on a ship you like than might otherwise be available. You can take advantage of more cruise time for a single vacation trip, likely visit a Disney private island (one of the best parts of a Disney cruise) multiple times, and get to know your ship better with more time aboard.
Q3: Do I have to get off the ship between voyages?
A: Yes, the cruise line will require that you disembark between sailings. Be sure to bring your passport, boarding documents, medications, and your Key to the World Card. You will go through customs as usual and then get back onto the ship within about an hour. You will even get to board the ship before the passengers in concierge staterooms, who usually have the very earliest boarding times.
Q4: How will the DCL crew know I’m doing Back-to-Back cruises?
A: You will receive a very special orange card in your stateroom on the final night of your first cruise. Bring it with you when disembarking your first cruise. This will let the DCL crew know you are doing Back-to-Back cruises. The crew will collect the card from you when embarking on your second voyage.
Q5: Do I have to pack and unpack?
A: If you book the same stateroom for both cruises, you don’t need to pack and unpack. However, if you have different staterooms, you will need to pack up after the first sailing.
Q6: What will the ship be like when I embark on my second sailing?
A: As the crew prepares the ship between sailings, they will be actively cleaning for the upcoming group of cruisers. The usual Disney-style “welcome the <insert your name here> family!!” may not happen during this phase, as the crew is focused on readying the ship for later arrivals. However, you can remember the fun announcement from your first trip.
It’s important to note that boarding occurs before the ship is fully prepared. While pools are undergoing cleaning, and restaurant food is being readied, you, as an early boarder, get the first glimpse once everything is set. During this interim period, you can unwind on deck, enjoy your stateroom (among the first accessible rooms), or explore the ship.
For those in need of refreshments, Disney usually provides beverages and snacks at locations like the Cove Café and one of the bars/lounges. If you happen to be hungry (is that even possible after finishing a Disney cruise?), be sure to have breakfast before disembarking in case there are delays. As lunchtime arrives, you can be at the forefront of queues at restaurants, buffets like Cabanas, or on-deck dining options.
Q7: Will I get the same dining room servers on my second sailing?
A: Not necessarily. If you would like to get the same servers, talk with your Head Server or check in with Guest Services to see if it’s possible.
Q8: Are there any restrictions on Back-to-Back sailings, and how can one find out about them?
A: While most DCL sailing combinations support Back-to-Back cruises, a few combinations each year may be restricted due to maritime regulations. It’s best to check directly with the Disney Cruise Line for availability on the voyages of interest.
Have you ever considered piecing together your own Disney Cruise week? Share your thoughts on the magic of Back-to-Back cruises!