A frequent flyer who’s poured an eye-watering $13,000 into Disney Cruise Line trips has shared what she says are some of the biggest misunderstandings people have about cruising.
Jasmine Manning — better known on TikTok as ‘That DCL Girl’ — has been sailing with Disney for the last five years, clocking up seven trips and a total spend of around $13,000.
Across those voyages, she’s ticked off destinations such as Jamaica and the Bahamas, while also leaning into the uniquely playful atmosphere that comes with a Disney ship.
With a full-time job and no children, Manning says she’s been able to put both time and disposable income into travel — and she’s now encouraging others to rethink the assumptions that often come with booking a cruise.
In an interview, the content creator explained: “I think the misconception about any cruise is that they are for a certain type of people. Cruises have been stereotyped as holidays for the retired, just as Disney Cruise Line has been stereotyped as the cruise line exclusively for children and neither are true.
“Any person of any age could enjoy a cruise if they enjoy activities, relaxing, attentive service, exploring new places…
“I have had so many comments over the years. I am one of those childless millennial Disney adults and we are constantly told that the Disney parks and cruises alike are for children which goes against the entire vision that Walt Disney himself had.”
Manning added that she believes Disney experiences aren’t limited by age, pointing out that the ships are designed with adults in mind too: “Disney is for everyone, for children to have fun – absolutely, but also for adults to dream, hope and experience some magic. There are adult only areas on the Disney ships for a reason!”
Given how many times she’s returned, it’s no surprise Manning says she’s thought about taking her love of cruising to the next level — even imagining what it might be like to live at sea.
But she admits that, financially, becoming a full-time passenger isn’t realistic. As she put it: “I have absolutely considered living on a cruise ship full-time. The only way this could happen though is if I got a job onboard, I am not fortunate enough to be able to afford to be a full time guest.
“I would love to be onboard for an extended amount of time to really be able to make the most of the ships amenities and to visit some new locations but I don’t think that will be a reality for me sadly.”