Capturing the magic aboard a Disney cruise in photographs is a no-brainer, but did you know there are professional photo opportunities on the ships? Photogaphers are on hand throughout the ship and on Castaway Cay to snap magical moments for you to download, share and even print. Learn the ins and outs of a Disney Cruise Line digital photo package here!

What is the digital photo package?

The unlimited package, which is what we’ll discuss here, includes copies of most digital photos taken throughout your voyage by the Disney Cruise Line photographers. The only photos that would not be included are the photos taken in the private studio sessions. Smaller packages are available, but this is the best bang for your buck, and that’s what we’re about here, friends. 

How do I purchase the package and what is the cost?

The package can be purchased through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once your window has opened. This is your best bet, as you do receive a discount when pre-purchasing the photos. “But what if I don’t like the pictures?!” You will. But if you truly don’t, the package can be canceled onboard as long as no images have been downloaded. Alternatively, you can also cancel up to three days prior to sailing if you decide ahead of time you’d rather not make the investment. Also note that you must also pre-purchase by the 3-day deadline. The package can also be purchased on the ship at a higher price. 

The cost varies by length of sailing, but you can expect packages to start around the $200 mark. Does it sting a little? Yeah, but we’ve never been disappointed by the value. The sheer amount of options you can download if you make a point of taking photos is a deal and a half when compared to other portrait options on the market.

Can we split the cost across rooms?

Yes and no. If your immediate family that includes children under 21 is spread across rooms, you can be connected and receive all downloads for one cost. For example, six of us cruised in August 2022. I was in one room with the Maui and Mo’, while my mom bunked up with Stitchy and HBelle (both under 21 at the time) next door. We were able to get both state rooms linked under the package I purchased. Visit Shutters onboard to get this done. 

Here’s where it gets a little tougher. PhotoPass and Memory Maker in the parks can absolutely be split among many, but Disney Cruise Line is a bit different. As long as at least one person from the purchasing state room is in the photo, it will be included in the download regardless of who else is in the photo. Let’s say you’ve purchased the package. If you’re rooming next to your besties and everyone takes a big group photo, it will be included. If all the kids (the ones in your room and the ones in theirs) take a character shot together, it will be included. If their crew takes a family portrait without anyone from your room, it will not be included. If your travel companions are cool with just being in photos with you, then you can split it. If they’ll want photos with just their family, then they would purchase their own package.

Although these three were not in my room aboard this cruise, I was able to get their photos included because Stitchy and HBelle were under 21 at the time.

Where are the photographers?

Across all of our sailings, we have found photographers in a variety of locations:

The Cruise Terminal

The Main Dining Rooms

With Most Static Meet and Greets (not roaming characters)

Castaway Cay

Various Backdrops in the Atrium & Near the Theatre

Special/Seasonal Areas in the Atrium

Is it worth it?

Above I alluded to yes. While it can seem a little pricy for digital images, the amount and variety we’ve received easily compares to and actually comes in lower than a lot of portrait photographers on land. 

I think the biggest clincher for me is the time taken with each group. The number of different poses, groupings and ideas with each setup is usually pretty on point. We’ve run into the occasional uninspired photog, but more often than not, we have a fantastic mini shoot. Below I’ve included several sittings that illustrate this point…plus I just love them!

How do I get my pictures?

First, I highly recommend stopping in at Shutters throughout your voyage to take a look at your images and make sure everything is showing up for you. While there, you can also get access to download images while onboard. If you don’t do this, you can also download everything all at once after the voyage. I’ve had hit or miss luck with downloading everything at the end, so I’ll probably stick with downloading throughout the sailing.

The verdict

If you can afford it, do it! There are, of course, tons of ops to take your own photos aboard, but I love having all of the family together without having to bother someone to take the shot and hoping they’re a decent photographer. Additionally, I usually sub in these pics for an annual family portrait, so it actually ends up saving my a bit. 

Share your thoughts below! Have you done the package? What questions do you have? Let’s chat!