The Sail Away Party is one of the most iconic moments on a Disney Cruise and many families wonder if they need to arrive early to get a good spot. The honest answer is yes. While it is not quite as intense as Pirate Night, it is still a very popular event and space can fill quickly. Arriving early is the best way to ensure your kids can actually see the stage and enjoy the show without being blocked by a sea of adults with phones held high.
Some families prefer standing one deck level above the main party area so they can look down over the rail. If you get there early enough your kids can stand right against the railing which removes the worry of someone stepping in front of them at the last minute. On some ships, like the Magic, there is occasionally a small dedicated “kid zone” at the front. Other ships do not offer this, so arriving early becomes even more important.
Unfortunately, guests can get a little aggressive about filming. Many parents have reported grown adults rushing ahead and cutting in front of children to record the entire show on their phones. Some vloggers and “influencers” in particular are known to plant themselves right in the front row. If having a clear view matters to your family, treat the party the same way you would treat fireworks viewing at a theme park: get there early, pick your spot and don’t leave it.
Not every family loves the Sail Away or Pirate Night crowd. Some skip both altogether because the noise and the tightly packed deck become overwhelming for their kids. The rest of the ship is almost empty during the party, making it a surprisingly peaceful time to explore, unpack, walk through kids club open house or browse the app and “heart” the activities you want to catch later.
In the end, the Sail Away Party is worth seeing at least once, especially if it’s your first cruise. Just go in with a plan. Arrive early, choose your spot thoughtfully and set expectations with your kids so the start of your vacation stays fun rather than chaotic.
