If you’re sailing with Disney Cruise Line soon, there’s one thing you’ll definitely want on your phone before vacation: the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App!
I recently sailed on the Disney Wish, and the Navigator App really does become your go-to resource both before your cruise and once you’re onboard. From keeping track of plans to figuring out what’s happening around the ship, you’ll use it throughout your vacation.
Before Your Cruise
Love when my countdown says 0 days!
The Navigator App is useful long before you step onboard. You can use it to manage many of the details of your upcoming cruise including completing your online check-in when your check-in window opens. Perhaps the very best part of the app before you cruise is the countdown on the home page!
Based on your Castaway Club level, you can also use the app to browse and reserve available activities such as Port Adventures, adult-exclusive dining, spa treatments, onboard activities, and more. Review your reservation details, explore information about your ship and get familiar with everything Disney Cruise Line has to offer before you sail.
Once You're Onboard
This is when the Navigator App really becomes essential!
Once connected to the ship's Wi-Fi, the app transforms into your daily cruise companion. You'll be able to see the complete schedule of activities happening around the ship, including character appearances, trivia, deck parties, family activities, adult activities, live entertainment and more. You can even buy wifi right from the app!
Love your cruise? You can even book a placeholder for a future cruise from the app, too.
You can also keep track of your rotational dining schedule and dining times, see what's happening in the kids clubs and check showtimes for Disney's Broadway-style entertainment.
One of my favorite parts of the app is checking out the dinner menu each night and choosing my meal before we even arrive at the restaurant! Of course, I always take into consideration what our servers recommend, too. After all, they know the menu better than anyone!
Another feature I love is the ability to favorite activities you're interested in. Instead of constantly scrolling through the full schedule, you can create your own personalized list of things you don't want to miss.
Keep in Touch With Your Travel Party
Free onboard messaging via the app.
Another incredibly useful feature is onboard messaging.
You can message other members of your travel party through the Navigator App while you're onboard. This is especially helpful for families with older kids and teens or groups who may split up during the day.
Someone can head to the pool, someone else can catch a movie, and another person can take a nap—and you can still keep in touch without everyone having to stay together all day.
Explore the Ship
Trying to remember whether you need to go forward or aft? The Navigator App can help with that, too!
You can access deck plans and information about restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues and other locations around the ship. On a larger Disney ship, having that information right on your phone can be particularly helpful during those first couple of days.
My Tip: Download It Before You Leave Home
Don't wait until you're standing in the cruise terminal to download the app!
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, log into your Disney account, and make sure your reservation appears correctly well before your vacation. It's one less thing to worry about on embarkation day.
Once you're onboard, you'll probably find yourself opening the app multiple times a day. Whether you're deciding what to do next, checking the dinner menu, finding a character appearance or messaging someone in your family, it really does put much of your Disney cruise right at your fingertips.
And if you're still in the dreaming about a Disney cruise stage, the app is only one small part of planning your vacation. Choosing the right ship, itinerary, stateroom, and sailing date can make a huge difference—and that's where working with a travel advisor can help! Ready to plan your Disney cruise? Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor or contact us via our website!