Is the cruise industry about to steal the spotlight from theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios? It might sound like a stretch, but some of these floating resorts are giving Mickey and the gang a run for their money! Gone are the days when cruises were just about sunbathing, pool dips and midnight buffets. Now, some ships are packed with attractions that will make even the most die-hard theme park fans do a double-take.
Curious to see if these claims hold water? I was too! So, I decided to dive into the details and compare what you get from a cruise versus a trip to Disney or Universal. We'll look at why cruise ships are becoming serious contenders in the world of family vacations and break down the costs to see which option gives you more bang for your buck.
Ready to set sail on this comparison adventure? Let’s go!
A Closer Look at the Fun
While cruise ships and theme parks offer different experiences, both are packed with things to do!
Variety of Activities
On a cruise, your day might include lounging by the pool, catching a show, or exploring a new destination on a shore excursion. If you’re on a bigger ship, you could even catch some waves on a Flow Rider, face fears on a high-ropes course, or race against the clock in an Escape Room. It’s a mix of relaxation and adventure. At Disney or Universal, it’s all about the rides, parades, and meeting your favorite characters. Both offer endless entertainment, but cruises give you the option to balance fun with relaxation.
Pace of the Vacation
Cruises let you set your own pace—whether you want to relax by the pool or join in on offered activities. There’s plenty of time to unwind, especially on sea days. In contrast, theme parks are all about non-stop action, with families trying to fit in as much as possible. It’s exciting, but can also be exhausting.
Crowds and Waiting Times
On a cruise, you might encounter some busy spots, especially on embarkation day, but it’s generally more controlled, with fewer crowds and shorter wait times. Theme parks, especially Disney and Universal, are known for their crowds and long lines, requiring a lot of patience. Cruises offer a more relaxed vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of theme parks.
Let’s Talk Numbers
If you’re anything like me, you want to get the best bang for your buck—hence why you’re here!
I’ll break down what’s included with each option and where the costs come from, but keep in mind that prices are subject to change prior to booking. Both cruises and theme parks often run deals, so these figures aren’t set in stone until you’ve put down a deposit.
For consistency, all of these comparisons are based on prices for a family of four (two adults, two children) for the week of March 29, 2025.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on MSC Seascape out of Miami
Included:
- Deluxe Balcony Room
- Stops in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas
- All meals in the Marketplace Buffet or one of the four Main Dining Rooms
- Water, tea, coffee, and juice
- Access to the Aquapark, pools, and lounging areas
- Kids Club
- All evening theater entertainment
- Trivia, live music, and classes on board
- Taxes & Port Fees
- Gratuities (not included at booking but factored into the total cost)
MSC may not be as well-known as other cruise lines, but their onboard experiences, private island, and excellent atmosphere make them a strong contender in this showdown!
Total Cost– $2,664
7-Night Western Caribbean and Coco Cay Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas out of Miami
Included:
- Oceanview Balcony Room
- Stops in Honduras, Mexico, and their private island, Coco Cay
- All meals in the Windjammer Buffet, Main Dining Room, and several other snack or quick-service venues
- Water, tea, coffee, and juice
- Access to the Category 6 Waterpark, FlowRider, rock climbing, splash zones, mini golf, ice skating, and sports courts
- Kids Club
- All evening theater entertainment
- Trivia, live music, and classes on board
- Taxes & Port Fees
- Gratuities (not included at booking but factored into the total cost)
Icon of the Seas is the newest, biggest, grandest ship on the seas as of the time of writing. It’s like a floating city—literally broken down into 8 neighborhoods! While the stops on this itinerary are spectacular, you could never leave the ship and still have an amazing vacation.
Total Cost– $6,010
7-Night Universal Studios Orlando Vacation
Included:
- Seven nights at Moderate Resort
- Five days of park-to-park tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park
- Express Pass for two days
- Estimated cost of food at $100/per person daily
Staying at a Universal Studios resort includes transportation around their properties, so there’s no additional cost for that. I included two days of the Express Pass, which should allow your family to ride every ride you want at each theme park in a day, leaving you three days to revisit your favorites. If you think your family would prefer more days with the Express Pass, add around $600 per day to the total.
Total Cost– $7,352
7-Night Disney World Vacation
Included:
- Seven nights at Moderate Resort
- Five days of Park Hopper tickets
- Five days of Lighting Lane Multipass
- Five Lighting Lane Single passes (one per person for each ride that offers one at the time of writing)
- Disney Dining Plan (one quick service meal, one sit-down meal, one snack per person, per day, along with a refillable mug)
- Extra money for breakfast and extra snacks estimated at $80 per person, per day
Disney World is the quintessential theme park vacation, known for the magic it invokes and the memories it creates. Since 2020, their system for speeding up lines (formerly known as Fast Pass) has changed several times. I did my best to approximate the cost of their new system, but since it hasn’t officially rolled out, I can’t guarantee it’s 100% accurate. However, as someone who used to plan Disney vacations professionally, I feel confident in this educated guess!
Total Cost– $8,850
Making the Choice
Only you can decide how your family spends money on vacation. However, I’m here to tell you that you can have an incredible family cruise for quarters on the dollar compared to what you’d pay for a traditional theme park vacation. All without missing an ounce of fun.
Want to learn more about cruising? Consider joining my private Facebook group, Cruising With Byron. Here you will find a safe, private space for cruisers to discuss all things cruising. Check it out. I think you'll like it!