Disney Cruise Line has recently made two notable policy changes that are stirring up reactions among its loyal guests. These changes, set to take effect on 3rd June, involve stricter rules on alcohol allowances and stateroom decorations. The cruise line has reduced the amount of alcohol passengers can bring onboard and tightened restrictions on decorations that extend into cabin corridors.
The alcohol policy update is one of the most significant changes in years for Disney Cruise Line. Previously, guests could bring two bottles of wine or six beers onboard at embarkation and an additional bottle of wine from each port of call. However, under the new rules, guests are limited to one bottle of wine or six beers at the start of the cruise, with no additional alcohol allowed from ports during the voyage. Any alcohol purchased ashore will be held by the cruise line until the end of the trip. On a positive note, Disney has lowered its corkage fee from $29 to $20 for guests who wish to enjoy their own wine in onboard dining venues.
Although Disney has not publicly explained the reasons behind the alcohol policy change, many guests speculate that it aims to boost onboard beverage sales, especially as the cruise line expands its fleet. The changes seem to apply across the entire fleet, despite some confusion caused by outdated FAQ pages that initially displayed the old allowances. Guests booked on longer itineraries, particularly in Europe and Alaska, have been vocal critics of the update. One guest preparing for a Mediterranean cruise expressed disappointment, saying, “We always used to pick up a bottle or two in ports. Now we get one bottle of wine for the whole trip?” Another guest noted that the previous policy of bringing a bottle from port was a deciding factor in booking with Disney Cruise Line for European trips.
The short notice before the policy’s implementation has also drawn criticism. A guest sailing shortly after the announcement remarked, “Why not give it some time to get the word out and not upset those who have already bought and packed their alcohol?” Others highlighted the impact on regional sailings, where sampling local drinks was part of the cruise experience. One cruiser shared, “We did the Norwegian Fjords last year and it was awesome bringing a few beers from each port in Belgium and Norway to try on our balcony. Was looking forward to doing the same in Alaska.”
In addition to the alcohol policy, Disney Cruise Line has updated its stateroom decoration guidelines. The new restriction prohibits decorations from being placed on corridor walls or ceilings. The updated policy now states, “Decorations should only be placed on doors and are not permitted on corridor walls or ceilings.” This change comes as the cruise line seeks to maintain safety and aesthetics in shared spaces.
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