Yes, absolutely. You should not have fear of missing out if you are unable to book Royal Gathering. While Royal Gathering is a great way to meet several princesses at once, it is far from the only opportunity to see characters onboard.
Royal Gathering opens about 30 days before your cruise and can be difficult to secure, especially on busy sailings. Because of that, many families worry they will miss out on character experiences if they do not get a spot. In reality, characters are everywhere throughout the cruise.
You will regularly see characters on deck, often popping up near the pool areas or walking through common spaces. Characters also make appearances inside Oceaneer Club, where kids can meet them in a more relaxed and playful setting.
There are also special shows and events designed around character interactions. Experiences like “Who’s Behind the Curtain” give kids the chance to interact with characters in a fun, surprise format rather than a traditional photo line.
In addition to scheduled events, it is common to see characters roaming the ship or appearing unexpectedly in hallways and public areas. These spontaneous moments often lead to some of the most memorable photos and interactions.
Royal Gathering is a nice bonus, but it is not essential. Disney Cruise Line makes character interactions so frequent and accessible that it is actually hard not to see them throughout your sailing.
