Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What are Tasting Classes?

One of the most popular activities on Disney Cruise Line are the alcohol tasting classes (available to guests ages 21 and up). You’ll typically find 2-5 different classes offered on every day of your DCL sailing. Options may include beer, wine, champagne, bourbon, whiskey, tequila, cognac, martinis, rum, or mixed drinks.

The classes, which typically last about an hour, are conducted by a bartender or sommelier and include a history of the alcohol and information about production, food pairings, and tips on purchasing. Each class also includes 4-6 tasting-size servings of the alcohol and sometimes a small snack or palate cleanser. I’ve taken about 10 of these classes over the years and, with the exception of one speed-talking teacher, found them to be pleasant and informative.

Most of the basic overview classes cost between $45-55 per person, but some that feature luxury brands may cost up to $100 per person.

Most onboard tasting classes are limited to about 20 guests. They are often fully booked prior to sailing, advance reservations are highly recommended. You can do this on the DCL website after you’ve paid in full for your sailing, based on your Castaway Club status. Log in and go to the “Already Booked” menu and click on the “Book/Manage Cruise Activities” tab. From there, find the “Cruise Activities” section and click “Book Now.” You have to look at the “Onboard Fun” section for each day to see the offerings.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is an offshoot of our “Disney in a Minute” posts. Both are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic, but here we’ll be focused on all thing Disney Cruise Line (DCL). Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.