Disney Treasure's “Very Merrytime” Cruise

The Disney Treasure truly surprised me in the best way. Even though the layout mirrors the Wish almost exactly, the Treasure’s adventure-forward theming makes it feel like a completely different ship, with Aladdin and Jasmine in the Grand Hall, and Peter Pan and Captain Hook off the bow. I absolutely loved the Casbah-inspired Grand Hall—engineered to feel larger than it really is—with its rich colors and mosaics, and some surprise character moments that made the space feel alive.

Grand Hall—decks 3-5

Dining was a standout for us: Plaza de Coco delivered the best show experience onboard (with Marvel in close second), and 1923 felt like the “nice night out” option without being too formal for kids. I’d also add that Marceline Market, the ship’s buffet, is excellent—well stocked with a wide variety of options for every taste. A tip is to visit when most guests were on shore, which made it much less crowded and a more relaxed dining experience. They even have a dedicated kids' section at a lower height so kids can select their own food.

I thought the coffee, espresso, and specialty coffee drinks were a little on the weak side, but their cocktails—especially at the Periscope Pub and hidden Rose Bar (outside Palo and Enchanté)—were on point. The best espresso drinks were at the Quiet Cove Bar in the adults-only area. The popcorn and treats outside the theaters are great but overpriced. The Moana show was a standout—truly one of the best productions I’ve seen at sea.

Moana theater show (enter on either floor, and line up early)

On our cruise, our group experienced both Enchanté and Palo, and the two restaurants couldn’t have been more different. Palo felt like the better overall experience for us—its flexibility to order prix fixe or à la carte meant you could pace your meal perfectly, and the portions were just right. The wagyu offerings were exceptional, perfectly cooked and rich without being overwhelming, and our waitstaff was superb. Enchanté, on the other hand, felt drawn out, with too many courses and a sense of overindulgence, and we thought it was overpriced for the experience. Either way, be sure to end the evening with a nightcap at the Beauty and the Beast-themed hidden Rose Bar right outside—it’s the perfect way to wind down. The Rose was less crowded earlier in the sailing, and more crowded towards the end as it was discovered.

The Rose, perfect for a nightcap or before dining at Palo or Enchanté

As repeat Disney sailors, I appreciate the little things that added big value: 24/7 included room service, consistently good food, and uncrowded pool decks (the Chip and Dale pool is the best as it is hidden), even on a “Very Merrytime” themed holiday cruise. The kids in our group loved the treasure-hunt games in the app, especially the Haunted Mansion one, and they spent hours exploring the ship. And I can’t say enough about the staff—because your dining team rotates with you each night, they learn your preferences quickly, making every meal feel more personal.

Chip and Dale's Pool

The Oceaneer Lab and Club are fantastic for kids ages 3 to 12, and our group’s little ones had a blast. The hours are very accommodating, staying open until midnight most nights, which is perfect if you have a late dinner or show planned. The offerings were different and more creative than on other ships, and had more updated Marvel and Star Wars areas. One downside is unlimited screen time: While staff encourage kids to play elsewhere, they won’t prevent long iPad sessions, and kids are allowed to bring their own devices—something we didn’t love. Snacks and meals aren’t provided, so you’ll need to plan around that.

Oceaneer Club

Oceaneer Club

Overall, the Treasure delivered a fantastic mix of adventure, comfort, and value, and it ended up being one of our favorite holiday trips. The dining teams were also excellent in working with travel companions’ food intolerances and preferences. Most of the decor and celebration was festive and Christmas-like (as were most peoples’ door decor and holiday pajamas), but there was a small area for those celebrating Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. The Thanksgiving dinner was not overtly an American Thanksgiving dinner, and had enough variation that anyone would be included.

If it fits your budget, Concierge class is absolutely worth it for the larger staterooms, priority service (reserved seating for shows), private lounge, and dedicated sun deck. In general, choosing a stateroom away from high-traffic elevator banks or laundry areas will help ensure a quieter, more relaxing trip.

If you’re looking to splurge on something that actually elevates your entire cruise, put that money toward a day pass or full-cruise pass to the Rainforest Room instead; they start at $79 USD per person per day. It’s a beautifully designed, utterly peaceful thermal spa inside Senses Spa, with heated loungers, aromatherapy steam rooms, and quiet spaces. It ended up being one of the most relaxing and worthwhile upgrades of our entire sailing.

In my opinion, the Castaway Cay cabanas are overrated, especially for the premium price. They’re nice, of course—but you can enjoy the beach, water, and amenities on the island just as easily without one. That said, they are worth it if you need dedicated shade or a private space to relax. Our day happened to be cloudy and the water was cold, so for us it wouldn’t have been worth the cost. If you do decide to go for it, Serenity Bay Cabana #23 or #24 are ideal, with direct beach access.

I always recommend that clients arrive in Orlando at least a day before your cruise departs from Port Canaveral (although some Disney sailings do depart from Fort Lauderdale) and stay in a downtown hotel to make the most of your time, rather than Cocoa Beach which is closer but not very nice. Even with travel insurance, it’s just not worth the stress of worrying about missing the ship. I usually book clients on Disney’s airport transportation—it’s seamless, reliable, and takes the stress out of the transfer.

When packing, lightweight luggage is best, since the Treasure has centralized the laundry facilities in the Fairytale Fresh Laundry, rather than having them on every floor. You can easily run a load using your Magic Band or Key to the World card. Be sure to bring essentials like sunscreen, medications, and laundry detergent, as these are marked up onboard. Dress onboard is quite casual, though Enchanté and Palo have a more upscale dress code, so plan accordingly.

Before booking shore excursions, I recommend checking the Disney site and Google Maps to see exactly where the ship will dock. If the port is close to a city, walking may be an option; if not, consider arranging a shore excursion or local transportation—especially with little ones. Disney’s transportation is always reliable, though the vehicles vary depending on local contracts, so don’t expect a luxury van or bus every time.

Before arriving at the port, download the Disney Cruise Line app and connect with your party if you’re in separate staterooms—it makes seeing your plans and coordinating with your party so much easier. The Wi-Fi is spotty, so do not expect to get deep work done or streaming video to work.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.