Sail Away Party on the Disney Dream

Five Disney cruises and five Sail Away parties—we haven’t missed one yet which was evident on our most recent cruise on board the Disney Dream.

The Sail Away Deck Party is scheduled on the afternoon/early evening the ship leaves the port and is usually after the mandatory safety drill.

We enjoy the Sail Away parties from the deck above the pool, in this case, Deck 12.  Crew members pass out colorful mini-pompons to wave during the party and to keep as a memento.

You can see your favorite Disney characters at the Sail Away Party as well as be introduced to the crew.  The Captain even says hello from the Bridge.

There were two other ships in port that day and they both sailed before our ship.  I was imagining the sail away celebration being help on their ships compared to ours!

It can be windy on the deck for the party and since the sun is going down—depending on what time of year you sail—it can get chilly.  Be prepared and then revel in the fact that you are sailing off to a tropical destination. 

That's US on the Funnel Vision during the Sail Away Party!

And US again!  Taking a picture of a picture. . . not easy!

The best part of the Sail Away Party is when the guests and crew count backwards only to hear the infamous Disney Dream horn and to see and feel the ship pull away from dock and start its journey.  Magical!

Being a part of the Sail Away Party puts a celebratory stint on the beginning of your cruise which is why we wouldn’t miss it!   Check your Personal Navigator for exact times—click here to read more about Navigators.

Sail Away Party on Disney Cruise Line

The first day aboard a Disney ship is magical. . . and exciting. The “Sail Away” deck party captures all that excitement and jump starts your Disney Cruise Vacation.

We have experienced 3 “Sail Away” deck parties on our Disney Cruises. The party has had name changes along the way, but the party, characters, and energy have stayed the same.  Adventures Away is the current name of the Sail Away party.

The deck party takes place on decks 9 and 10 aboard the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. The Goofy pool has a moveable top that covers the pool to allow for more room for the deck party.

The Ariel Screen is an integral part of the party as displays of the ship’s bridge, announcements from crew members, and shots of the crowd are displayed on the big screen throughout the party.

The deck party is a chance to meet your crew including your cruise director. The entertainment staff hosts the party and you get to see the counselors for the kids programming, too.

Dancing and festivities swell to the big event, the push off from port and sailing away. You can feel the ship move and hear the horn of the ship. What’s that familiar tune?

The views from deck 9 and 10 during the party are incredible. You can see other ships at port. I bet there are more people on the other ships taking pictures of the Disney ship than the other way around.

We have experienced the deck party under sunny and cloudy skies, and trust me, the weather doesn’t matter. If it is cloudy, it is more incentive to head to the warm waters of your cruise destination. The only constant is the wind. The first time onboard, we were caught off guard by the wind. . . we just hadn’t expected it. Now we know it will most likely be windy and we plan accordingly. And, Disney has planned accordingly and the ship has many locations that block the wind for your comfort as a Disney Cruise Line guest.

Even after our first “Sail Away” party, the boy was singing and humming the “Celebrate good times. . .” song. That’s the impact of the energy and excitement of the “Sail Away” party. For us, the deck party on the first day aboard is a must do/see. We haven’t missed one yet and don’t plan to miss the “Sail Away” party on our next Disney cruise.

To read about Disney's private island Castaway Cay click here.

To read about the port of Grand Cayman click here.

To read about the port of Cabo San Lucas click here.

To read about the port of Nassau click here.