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Photos show what Disney's most extravagant cruise ship is like, from a theme-park ride to a 'Frozen'-themed restaurant

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly ships that sail around the world. The newest in its fleet is called the Wish.

Photos show what Disney's most extravagant cruise ship is like, from a theme-park ride to a 'Frozen'-themed restaurant
LifeThelife1 min read
I never went in the pools because they were so packed with people.Amanda Krause/Insider
  • In September 2022, I took a three-day trip on Disney's newest cruise ship: the Wish.
  • The boat has 14 giant decks where you'll find restaurants, shops, theaters, and more.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly ships that sail around the world. The newest in its fleet is called the Wish.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly ships that sail around the world. The newest in its fleet is called the Wish.
The Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay in September 2022.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The Wish is Disney's largest cruise ship to date, being both longer and wider than the Disney Magic ship.

The Wish is Disney
A model of the Disney Magic ship, which is similar to but smaller than the Wish.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I took a 3-day vacation — my first cruise experience — on the Disney Wish in September 2022, and I was immediately blown away by how massive the ship was.

I took a 3-day vacation — my first cruise experience — on the Disney Wish in September 2022, and I was immediately blown away by how massive the ship was.
This was my first time on a cruise ship.      Amanda Krause/Insider

There are 14 giant decks on board the Disney Wish. You enter into The Grand Hall on deck three.

There are 14 giant decks on board the Disney Wish. You enter into The Grand Hall on deck three.
The Grand Hall at a glance.      Amanda Krause/Insider

This opulent, main deck is inspired by Cinderella. There are gem-encrusted banisters, a winding staircase, and a stage where you can often find performers.

This opulent, main deck is inspired by Cinderella. There are gem-encrusted banisters, a winding staircase, and a stage where you can often find performers.
Cinderella and Prince Charming make an appearance on the Disney Wish.      Amanda Krause/Insider

It's also home to spots like Nightingale's, an intimate bar inspired by Cinderella's song "Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale." You can listen to live music and order bubble-themed drinks there.

It
A view of Nightingale's on the Disney Wish.      Amanda Krause/Insider

If you prefer "Star Wars" over princesses, you'll want to visit the Hyperspace Lounge — but you'll need a reservation.

If you prefer "Star Wars" over princesses, you
I couldn't get a reservation, but visited the bar during a brief open house.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I loved both bars, but my favorite was The Bayou. Inspired by "The Princess and the Frog," it's a place to listen to live music, order beignets, and drink.

I loved both bars, but my favorite was The Bayou. Inspired by "The Princess and the Frog," it
A view inside The Bayou on board the Disney Wish.      Amanda Krause/Insider

In between bars, you'll find an array of high-end stores that sell handbags, diamonds, and other luxury items.

In between bars, you
A luxury store on board the Disney Wish cruise ship.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The elevators that bring you between decks are surprisingly luxurious. There are princess-themed carpets outside, and gold-flaked mirrors inside.

The elevators that bring you between decks are surprisingly luxurious. There are princess-themed carpets outside, and gold-flaked mirrors inside.
You have the option to take the elevators or stairs between decks.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Twice a day, the Walt Disney Theater hosts Broadway-level performances. On the Wish, that includes productions of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin."

Twice a day, the Walt Disney Theater hosts Broadway-level performances. On the Wish, that includes productions of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin."
However, you can't take photos of the actual performances.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Outside the theater, you can purchase snacks like popcorn. During my trip, each bucket cost $3.

Outside the theater, you can purchase snacks like popcorn. During my trip, each bucket cost $3.
You can also buy soda and candy at Preludes.      Amanda Krause/Insider

One of the ship's rotational dining restaurants, 1923, is also found on deck three. It's inspired by Disney animation and the start of the Walt Disney Company.

One of the ship
Throughout the restaurant, you'll find character sketches, movie props, and more.      Amanda Krause/Insider

When you head up to deck four, you'll find guest services. There was usually a long line during my trip, but it moved quickly.

When you head up to deck four, you
I waited approximately 30 minutes in this line.      Amanda Krause/Insider

But while you're waiting, you can enjoy beverages from the Wishing Star Cafe — a tiny coffee spot that's subtly inspired by "Pinocchio."

But while you
When you order coffee on the Disney Wish, you might get some latte art with it.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Next door is a salon for young travelers: the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. There, they can get makeovers to look like princesses, princes, or ship captains.

Next door is a salon for young travelers: the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. There, they can get makeovers to look like princesses, princes, or ship captains.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is located just a short distance from Guest Services.      Amanda Krause/Insider

As for entertainment, you can stop by Luna. The lounge offers family-friendly activities during the day, and games like bingo for adults at night.

As for entertainment, you can stop by Luna. The lounge offers family-friendly activities during the day, and games like bingo for adults at night.
Whenever I passed Luna, I saw trivia activities taking place.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Or you can visit one of two movie theaters to watch newly-released Disney movies. One is inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," and the other is "Peter Pan"-themed.

Or you can visit one of two movie theaters to watch newly-released Disney movies. One is inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," and the other is "Peter Pan"-themed.
I loved this cozy movie theater and wish I could have spent more time there.      Amanda Krause/Insider

And of course, there's a restaurant on deck four. Called Worlds of Marvel, the interactive experience offers food from Marvel movies and an appearance from Ant-Man.

And of course, there
Inside the Worlds of Marvel restaurant on board the Disney Wish.      Amanda Krause/Insider

On deck five, you can stop by the Enchanted Sword Cafe for a treat. It's set up exactly like the Wishing Star cafe, but with a "The Sword in the Stone" theme.

On deck five, you can stop by the Enchanted Sword Cafe for a treat. It
This bar was usually crowded, but still quiet and relaxed.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Or you can stop by Mickey's Mainsail, a massive gift shop that sells clothes, children's toys, toiletries, and even Christmas ornaments.

Or you can stop by Mickey
You can find just about everything inside this gift shop.      Amanda Krause/Insider

My favorite spot on this deck is Keg & Compass. The nautical bar was created with so much detail, like Disney-themed maps on the ceilings and wood-carved portholes.

My favorite spot on this deck is Keg & Compass. The nautical bar was created with so much detail, like Disney-themed maps on the ceilings and wood-carved portholes.
I visited Keg & Compass every chance I got while on board the Disney Wish.      Amanda Krause/Insider

For dinner on deck five, you'll experience a one-of-a-kind restaurant called Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The space looks exactly like scenes in the movie, and fan-favorite characters like Elsa sing as you dine.

For dinner on deck five, you
This was my favorite restaurant out of the three rotational options on board.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Decks six through 10 are where you'll find staterooms. I stayed in the least expensive one, which cost $2,700 and had no window.

Decks six through 10 are where you
With my sister and I staying in the cheapest room, our trip cost $2,707.52.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The 169-square-foot room had a lifted queen bed, pullout couch, closet, vanity, and TV, among other amenities. I loved the small space.

The 169-square-foot room had a lifted queen bed, pullout couch, closet, vanity, and TV, among other amenities. I loved the small space.
The vanity mirror practically lit the small room on its own.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Even the bathroom was nice, with a decent-sized tub and brightly-lit walls.

Even the bathroom was nice, with a decent-sized tub and brightly-lit walls.
The space was perfect for a traveling party of two.      Amanda Krause/Insider

My favorite part of the stateroom decks was the art that lined the walls. Each floor had pieces from different movies, like "The Princess and the Frog."

My favorite part of the stateroom decks was the art that lined the walls. Each floor had pieces from different movies, like "The Princess and the Frog."
These five pieces depict characters from "The Princess and the Frog."      Amanda Krause/Insider

During a walking tour of the ship, an employee said there are more than 4,000 pieces from artists around the world on board.

During a walking tour of the ship, an employee said there are more than 4,000 pieces from artists around the world on board.
I loved this "Cinderella"-themed print.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Deck 11 is the place to go when you want a dip in the pool. But fair warning: They were always crowded when I visited.

Deck 11 is the place to go when you want a dip in the pool. But fair warning: They were always crowded when I visited.
I never went in the pools because they were so packed with people.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The pools face a giant, outdoor TV screen, which played movies like "Cruella" when I visited. Bars like The Lookout were also nearby.

The pools face a giant, outdoor TV screen, which played movies like "Cruella" when I visited. Bars like The Lookout were also nearby.
I often found people watching Disney movies from the nearby pools.      Amanda Krause/Insider

But the spot I visited most on deck 11 was the Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods market. There, you could get everything from personal pizzas to barbecue — all included in your trip.

But the spot I visited most on deck 11 was the Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods market. There, you could get everything from personal pizzas to barbecue — all included in your trip.
I ate so many of these chicken tender and fry plates.      Amanda Krause/Insider

And for dessert, I'd visit the "Inside Out"-inspired spot Joyful Sweets. There, you can buy pastries, ice cream, and some candy.

And for dessert, I
I indulged in both ice cream and pastries during my vacation.      Amanda Krause/Insider

If you want to switch things up, Marceline Market is another breakfast and lunch option. There were more food options here, but the hours were more limited.

If you want to switch things up, Marceline Market is another breakfast and lunch option. There were more food options here, but the hours were more limited.
I only ate at Marceline Market once during my three-day trip.      Amanda Krause/Insider

There are smaller pools on deck 12. Though you can see them from the lower level, they're technically on a different deck.

There are smaller pools on deck 12. Though you can see them from the lower level, they
Even these tiny pools were crowded with children and adults during swimming hours.      Amanda Krause/Insider

This deck is also where you'll find Hero Zone, an activities center that offers an inflatable obstacle course multiple times per day. Children and adults can partake.

This deck is also where you
This obstacle course was more intense than it looks.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The Rose is an elegant, "Beauty and the Beast"-themed bar that offers stunning ocean views during the day, and a cozy, romantic vibe at night.

The Rose is an elegant, "Beauty and the Beast"-themed bar that offers stunning ocean views during the day, and a cozy, romantic vibe at night.
I visited The Rose twice during my trip, and loved the atmosphere.      Amanda Krause/Insider

If you're looking for a thrill, head up to deck 13 for the AquaMouse — Disney's first theme-park ride on a cruise ship. It's quick, but lots of fun.

If you
The ride takes you through a see-through slide at the top of the cruise ship.      Amy Smith, Disney

Adults can have a getaway at the Cove Cafe and adjacent pool. There's also lots of private seating in this section.

Adults can have a getaway at the Cove Cafe and adjacent pool. There
My sister and I enjoyed a drink here, away from children and families on board.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The only decks I didn't visit were one and two. The lowest level is home to the health clinic, and the second has a nursery and children's club.

The only decks I didn
I didn't visit either spot but noticed a slide leading to the kid's club.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Overall, the Disney Wish is huge with countless spots to explore. After spending three days on board, I felt like I needed three more to experience everything.

Overall, the Disney Wish is huge with countless spots to explore. After spending three days on board, I felt like I needed three more to experience everything.
Me on the Disney Wish cruise ship.      Amanda Krause/Insider
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