Cell phones can be controversial on cruise lines. One group of guests prefers to unplug and enjoy sailing away from the daily demands of technology, while the other group enjoys the convenience of cruise line app features.
Disney Cruise Line is beginning limited tests that may make it harder to be part of the unplugged group – at least if you want to enjoy all the different features and amenities of your Disney cruise.
Guests booked aboard the April 21, 2025 departure of Disney Wish have received notification that they will be able to use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for some scheduling and registration.
“We often try new ways to surprise and delight our Guests, including the features we are currently testing during your sailing,” the notification read.
Activities that will be testing in-app registration on the 4-night Bahamas cruise include choosing a time to finalize Oceaneer Club registration as well as the Disney Magic Decorate-Off cake decorating challenge, riding the AquaMouse water coaster, and select character meet-and-greets.
However, not all guests may be delighted by the need to register through the app.
To do so, of course, guests will need to have a mobile device and have downloaded the latest version of the app prior to boarding Disney Wish. Once guests are ready to board the ship, they need to link their stateroom via the DCL-GUEST Wi-Fi network onboard, and then register through “Onboard Fun.”
This is a limited test only and other activities will not require digital reservations. The language of the notification, however, does seem to indicate that in-app registration might be required for some events.
“Activities will also be scheduled for other times that do not require a reservation (subject to availability),” the instructions read, which could mean that select activities will require such pre-registration.
Wi-fi connectivity on all cruise lines can occasionally be glitchy, which might make required in-app registration challenging.
While travelers do not need to purchase internet packages to use the app, if there are connection problems, guests who do not have an onboard wi-fi plan could be at a distinct disadvantage to enjoy some activities.
Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the same activities might be available without pre-registration. For example, there are many character meet-and-greets onboard Disney ships – but sometimes one particular character or princess might only appear once or twice.
If those specific appearances require registration, guests who aren’t able to do so could miss out on a memorable opportunity.
More Cruise Lines Considering Onboard Reservations
It has long been common for cruise lines to require reservations for extra-pay experiences onboard, such as specialty dining meals, spa treatments, or individual photo portrait sessions.
One of the distinct appeals of a laid-back cruise vacation, however, is the ability to pick-and-choose from a variety activities without having to stick to a very strict schedule.
Read Also: How Much Is a Disney Cruise? I Did All the Checking!
But as ships get larger and routinely carry 4,000 or more passengers – as Disney Wish can – it can become necessary to have some way to manage crowds, and reservations are one option.
Royal Caribbean, for example, has been using reservations for its phenomenal onboard entertainment for years, including the AquaTheater shows and ice skating shows, among others.
Some cruise lines also use reservations for comedy performances, specialty performers, and music cover bands.
Not all cruise lines are eager to embrace reservations, however. Carnival Cruise Line recently addressed the issue of reservations for shows, which was firmly rebuffed by the cruise line’s fans.
One extra consideration that might apply to Disney Cruise Line guests is the age and expectations of travelers.
While most adults enjoying a cruise will shrug it off if they aren’t able to get into a show or try an experience because it may be filled up, young guests on a magical cruise might be more apt to throw a temper tantrum if they miss their favorite Disney princess.
A reservation system could help guarantee Disney guests exactly the experiences they value most, as well as help travelers plan alternative activities if they miss out on some opportunities.
