It’s time to say "cheese!" and smile for the camera — you’re going on a Disney cruise! On every Disney ship, Shutters is the place to go for your Disney cruise photo package. This Mommy Frog loves capturing those special family moments, and Shutters makes it easy to get beautiful shots of everyone together. Disney cruise photographers are there for everything from character meet-and-greets to dining room photos and formal portraits. And Shutters Photography Shop is where you can view and purchase photos or book a private portrait session. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Shutters before you sail. Let’s snap to it!
FAQs
- How much is the Disney Cruise photo package? Pricing varies by sailing, so the easiest way to see the exact cost for your trip is to log into “My Reservations,” go to “My Plans” and check “Onboard Fun” for Day one of your cruise — this is where the unlimited photo package will show if it’s available. It’s usually best to book it before your cruise, since pre-booking typically closes about three days before sailing and prices do increase once you’re onboard. You can also purchase photos after your cruise (for U.S. residents), but those prices are typically higher as well.
- How do you book a photo package on a Disney Cruise? Once your booking window opens, log into your reservation on the Disney Cruise Line website (or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app), go to “My Plans,” then “Onboard Fun” and select any day of your cruise to add a photo package. You’ll need to pre-purchase online more than three days before your sailing to lock in the lower price — after that, you can still purchase onboard or even after your cruise, but the cost will be higher.
- Is the Disney Cruise photo package worth it? The unlimited photo package can be a smart option if you plan to take lots of photos and don’t want to worry about using your phone the whole trip. It’s usually best to purchase it in advance to save money. If you only want a handful of pictures, a smaller package may be the better fit. You can purchase smaller packages onboard.
- Where are photos taken on a Disney Cruise? You’ll find photographers set up all around the ship — during embarkation, at character meet-and-greets, on formal nights and at dinner — as well as on Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. You can also book professional portrait sessions in the onboard portrait studio or at select locations around the ship for more styled photos.
- How long do you have to download your Disney Cruise photos? Your photos are available to download for up to 45 days from the date they’re taken. After that, they expire and become inaccessible, so be sure to download everything before the window closes.
Disney Cruise Photo Package Overview
Shutters Photography Shop is Disney Cruise Line’s onboard photography center to help capture and preserve your vacation memories with a digital photo package or prints. It’s where you’ll find all the professional photos taken during your cruise.
Shutters is divided into three areas: the Kiosk Gallery for viewing your images, the Photography Store for camera gear and accessories and the Portrait Studio for private portrait sessions. Knowing how Shutters works before you sail will help you plan ahead and save a little green.
Shutters is located on the following decks by ship:
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Disney Cruise Line Professional Photography
Disney Cruise Line has professional photographers onboard to help you capture those special vacation moments — no tripod or awkward selfie setups required. You'll also find photographers on Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Similar to the Disney PhotoPass service at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, photos are linked to your stateroom number and uploaded to your onboard account for viewing at the Shutters Kiosk Gallery. It is free to get your photo taken at any time, and purchasing a photo package is toadally optional.
But the biggest difference between the Disney parks and Disney Cruise Line is timing. You’ll only have 45 days after each photo is captured to download your purchased photos before they’re permanently removed. And once they're gone, they're GONE!
You can purchase your photos while you’re on the ship, but U.S. residents now have the option to buy digital images after the cruise through Disney Cruise Line Photos, as long as they’re still within that 45-day window. Just note that pricing typically increases once you’ve debarked.
You can pre-purchase digital photo packages or a PhotoBook Keepsake up to three days before your cruise, often with a discount, but print packages must be bought onboard. Alternatively, you can shop for a package at Shutters during your trip. But don't wait until the last evening. The kiosks are busy on that last night and you'll have plenty of other things you'll want to do before your cruise vacation is over.
Frogtastic Disney Cruise Photo Locations
Shutters professional photographers are found in so many frogtastic places! You’ll find specific locations and schedules in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, but you can also come across them unscheduled as well.
Here are our favorite Disney cruise photo locations:
- At the cruise terminal on embarkation day
- Character meet-and-greets
- Rotational Dining rooms
- Royal Gathering
- Iconic ship locations such as the atrium or funnel
- Disney Castaway Cay
- Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
- Magic Shots featuring favorite characters
We love seeing the different backgrounds that are set up each evening. You’ll find backdrops that showcase the ship on the water or an ocean sunset, as well as fun thematic ones like a pirate’s lair or a spooky Halloween scene. These are typically set up in the Grand Hall or near the Walt Disney Theatre, but they might not repeat. If you spot one you like, hop in line and say "cheese!"
Some of our favorite shots hoppen during golden hour out on deck, on Pirate Night or when everyone is dressed up during themed sailings like Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime, Marvel Day at Sea or Pixar Day at Sea. These make for extra-special keepsakes!
One of my favorite photos ever is Grandma Frog dressed as her favorite Disney villain during a Halloween on the High Seas cruise. The Shutters photographers worked their magic and captured her perfectly. The photo hangs in my office, a daily reminder of that magical moment!
Shutters Portrait Studio
Shutters Portrait Studio offers private photo sessions while out at sea. You can reserve a 30-minute portrait session that captures your special moments in a unique black-and-white style (color portraits are also available). This is a great option for a family reunion or to commemorate a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or anniversary or to capture your crew all dressed up for Formal Night.
Sittings can be reserved in advance, based on your Castaway Club status. There is no cost to reserve a session; however, the photos are not included in any other Disney cruise photo package. If, for some reason, you don't like the photos, there is no obligation to purchase the images.
For groups larger than six, Disney Cruise Line suggests booking two consecutive sessions.
If you choose to purchase any of the photos from your Shutters Portrait Studio sitting, there are three options:
- Digital Collection — Up to 100 images captured on a USB to take home, print and share
- Fine Arts Prints — wrapped canvas, quarter-inch acrylic or aluminum
- Premium Albums — Images professionally printed and bound with a quarter-inch acrylic cover. Standard capacity is 20 sides, and can be upgraded in multiples of 10 sides up to a maximum of 80.
If you're planning to book a portrait session, we recommend you pack at least one dressier or coordinated outfit with these photos in mind. The photos are timeless and look their best when everyone is a little more polished.
How to Purchase a Disney Cruise Photo Package
Shutters Kiosk Galleries
Throughout your cruise, you can stop by the Shutters kiosks to view your cruise photos at your convenience. You can view, purchase and download photos directly from the kiosk stations. If you have questions or run into any issues, the Shutters staff will be more than willing to assist you.
Like we mentioned above, you’ll have up to 45 days from when each photo was captured to download your cruise photos from the “My Cruise Photos” area of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, or online at Disney Cruise Line Photos.
You can purchase your Disney cruise photo package in advance, during your sailing or even after. Just remember that you'll pay more once you're back on land. You can opt to purchase a package of 10 or 15 photos at a time, individual photos and even photo keepsakes.
The most economical option is to pre-purchase the Unlimited Digital Package before you sail. This will save you some green and take the stress off having to remember to purchase a package or individual pictures before the end of your cruise.
Disney Cruise Line photo package pricing varies depending on the length of your sailing and specific itinerary.
Approximate Disney Cruise Photo Package Pricing (pricing is subject to change based on ship and itinerary):
Here's an idea of what to expect.
- Unlimited Digital Package: ~ $289.95
- 15-Photo Package: $203.95
- 10-Photo Package: $153.95
On our last 5-night cruise, we came home with over 250 photos, so pre-purchasing the Unlimited Package was the right move!
How to Pre-Purchase a Disney Cruise Photo Package
Once your cruise balance has been paid in full, you can pre-purchase a photo package:
- Visit the My Reservations page of your Disney Cruise Line portal or use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and select “Cruise Activities,” then “Onboard Fun.”
- From “Onboard Fun,” select the first date of your voyage. You should see the “add photo package” option appear.
- Select the package that is right for your family and then check out.
You can pre-purchase your photo package up to 3 days before your cruise adventure begins. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Castaway Club Pearl Members (25+ sailings) receive the Unlimited Digital Photo Package for free!
Shutters Photography Store
If you froget a camera accessory while sailing, Shutters can help. The Photography Store, located near the kiosks, carries a small selection of items such as memory cards, batteries and even waterproof cameras for beach days. The selection is limited, but it’s convenient for replacing an essential in a pinch. This is also the place to purchase photo gifts, including PhotoBook Keepsakes.
Disney Cruise Photo Package Tips
Here's a quick frogtastic checklist to help you capture every magical moment and maximize your dollar:
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app daily for updated locations and times for character meet-and-greets and photographer locations.
- Stop by the Shutters kiosks often to preview your photos and to avoid missing any favorites.
- Pre-purchase an unlimted photo package to save money and avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Coordinate with your travel crew on a few special outfits to capture frame-worthy shots.
- If you're sailing on a seasonal or special cruise, consider packing a costume or themed attire.
- Hop in line early for special backdrops and theme nights like Pirate Night or Marvel Day at Sea — you might not see them on another day.
- Remember to download your purchased photos within 45 days from the date of capture for each photo, or your photos will disappear forever.
- Bring your camera charger and extra memory cards for your own camera, but know that Shutters has accessories if you froget something important!
Now you're ready to strike a pose! Still have questions about a Disney cruise photo package? Drop them in the comments below!
Related: Top Ways to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
Related: Our Top 10 Tips for Sailing with Kids on Disney Cruise Line
Hoppy planning!
