San Diego to Vancouver: Solo at Sea on the Disney Wonder

This repositioning cruise takes place in the spring of the year as the Disney Wonder ends its California season and starts its Alaska season. It’s a great time of year to sail the West Coast!

The trip is bookended by two beautiful waterfront cities, San Diego and Vancouver. Victoria, located in the southernmost spot on Canada’s west coast, is the only port of call on this cruise. It is a small, easily walkable city with a distinctly British flavor. After a day spent here, you will likely bookmark Victoria for a dedicated future visit.

Extend both sides of your vacation by a few days each. A waterfront stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego puts you right on the bay and within easy walking distance of the Gaslamp District in one direction and Seaport Village in the other. At the other end, the Fairmont Waterfront, steps from your disembarkation point at Canada Place, offers an excellent base for exploring Vancouver.

Another great option is to extend your cruise by booking back-to-back with Disney Wonder’s first Alaska trip of the season. You do need to disembark, but you will immediately go to a dedicated area to wait until the ship is ready for you to re-embark.

Sailing solo

Disney Wonder is much more intimate than her bigger sisters in the fleet. She and her sister ship, Disney Magic, were the first vessels in Disney Cruise Line. Accommodating 2,713 passengers, they are the smallest ships in the fleet, which can be an advantage for solo travelers who prefer not to get lost in the crowd.

Depending on preferences, a solo traveler can be comfortable in an Inside, Oceanview or Verandah room. Room stewards are on hand to ensure you have what you need and to leave a “towel origami” animal on your bed every evening.

Dressing and dining

Dress codes are casual throughout the day and night, except for the adult-only Palo restaurant, which requires wearing what I’d call business casual (no jackets or ties are needed for the men). This cruise takes place in the spring, and while it is likely to be warm in San Diego, as you move northward, temperatures will likely cool. The best approach is to think about layering so that you can add as needed to stay warm. And pack a coat or jacket. Closed and comfortable walking shoes should accompany sandals and (if wanted) dress shoes.

Dining choices are numerous but not overwhelming. Triton’s, Tiana’s and Animators Palate offer open table service breakfast and lunch, with dinner at an assigned table on a rotational basis. As a solo, you will likely be assigned the second seating at 8:30, and you can count on being seated with other solo or duo travelers (no kids). Your team of servers follows you to each dining room, and they turn into lively performers when the dinner shows kick off. Breakfast and lunch are also served at Cabanas, a buffet with a wide array of choices and walk-up food stations on the pool deck offer even more options.

If you want to have a memorable experience, book a dinner or brunch reservation at Palo. This adult-only restaurant specializes in Northern Italian dishes at a great value. I chose to eat at Palo every night I made friends with several of the waiters and the maitre d’, and every dinner was lively and fun. Your wait staff can advise you on wine pairings for the fixed-price meal or your a la carte choices. And if you need extra energy to pursue evening activities, ask for the off-the-menu affogato or espresso over your choice of gelato.

Disney ships do not include casinos, though there is an ongoing bingo event with ever-increasing cash prizes. While soda and coffee/tea stations are included in the fare, no drinks packages are offered. A la carte drinks and specialty coffees are available in lounges and bars throughout the ship. In addition, onboard experiences (at extra cost) include wine pairing demonstrations and a whisky/chocolate tasting.

Activities and entertainment

Traveling alone doesn’t mean being alone on a Disney cruise. A lively schedule of daily activities can keep you as engaged as you want. Participate in team trivia challenges all around the ship, learn how to draw a Disney character and figure out how to make those towel origami animals that the stewards do so well. At night in the Adult District, there’s dancing in Azure, relaxation with piano music in the Cadillac lounge and a bit of British flavor in the Crown & Fin Pub. And the evening adult-only game shows will keep you laughing.

For poolside fun, you can immerse yourself in the fun of Goofy’s Pool or opt for the adult-only Quiet Cove. Adjacent to Quiet Cover and also in the adult-only section. Senses Spa & Salon is the place to get pampered with a range of spa services. Adjacent to the spa, the fitness room allows you to get your exercise in.

Broadway-style shows with twists on familiar Disney stories highlight the cruise, and the Buena Vista Theater shows current film favorites. Character encounters are a treat to watch as children and adults interact with their favorites while cameras whir. A must-watch is the Diaper Dash, with babies racing each other for the grand prize.

Things to budget For

While beverages at the coffee, tea and soda stations, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and some nonalcoholic concoctions are available at extra cost. Gratuities are extra and can be prepaid as part of your cruise fare. Professional photography opportunities are available, with various photo packages that fit any budget.

Time to be alone? No problem. Want to socialize? Plenty of opportunities! Traveling solo on the Disney Wonder is a cost-effective way to enjoy the Disney experience.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vancouver. In need of further inspiration? Check out Rollo Reese’s guide, 7 Days of Summer in Seattle and Vancouver.