Experiencing the Wonder of Disney
We recently sailed on the Disney Wonder for a 3-night cruise and came away genuinely surprised by just how much this ship offers for adults travelling without kids. With the Wonder home-porting in Australia for a limited season, we couldn’t pass up the chance to finally experience a Disney cruise — and it delivered far more than we expected.
Embarkation was one of the smoothest we’ve had. Check-in was quick, and the moment we stepped into the atrium and were welcomed onboard, the famous Disney service and attention to detail were on full display. The ship was decorated for Christmas during our sailing, which made the space feel extra special and set the tone for the cruise from the very beginning.
Our Navigator’s Verandah stateroom on Deck 6 was a fantastic surprise. The classic nautical styling felt elegant rather than over-themed, and the layout is one of the most practical at sea. The split bathroom made getting ready easy, there was plenty of storage for a short cruise, and the semi-enclosed verandah with its large porthole was private, protected from the wind and perfect for relaxing. If the price is close to a standard balcony, this category is well worth considering.
Dining was a highlight throughout the cruise. Disney’s rotational dining keeps each evening feeling different, and the quality of the food and service was consistently excellent. Triton’s delivered beautiful French-inspired dishes, while Animator’s Palate combined dinner with one of the most unique and entertaining shows you’ll find on any ship. Our final night at Palo, the adults-only specialty restaurant, was the standout meal of the cruise — from the service to the famous chocolate soufflé, everything felt special.
For casual options, Cabanas offered a wide selection for breakfast and lunch, and the quick-service venues on Deck 9 — including pizza, burgers, tacos and soft-serve ice cream — were perfect for relaxed meals between activities. The included soft drinks are also a welcome bonus and add to the overall value.
One of the biggest surprises was just how much there is onboard for adults. We spent time in the Quiet Cove Pool area, enjoyed coffees and pastries at Cove Café, took part in multiple trivia sessions, and ended our evenings in venues like the Crown & Fin Pub and Azure Lounge. Pirate Night was a standout and easily one of the most fun and energetic themed parties we’ve experienced at sea.
Service across the ship was exceptional. Every crew member we interacted with was warm, engaging and genuinely invested in making the cruise memorable.
Disney is undeniably priced higher than many other cruise lines, but with a good deal and the convenience of sailing locally, the value becomes much easier to justify — especially when you consider the level of entertainment, dining quality, included soft drinks and overall experience.
Overall, the Disney Wonder delivered a cruise that was fun, nostalgic, high quality and surprisingly well suited to couples. You don’t need to travel with kids to enjoy the magic.
Would we sail with Disney again? Absolutely — in a heartbeat.