Imagine gazing into the eyes of your sweetheart and toasting a beautiful day at one of the most exclusive restaurants at sea. That's exactly what awaits at Palo aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships. This adults-only restaurant boasts Italian and European-inspired cuisine crafted by talented chefs with worldly experience.
I have had the pleasure of dining at Palo on all of the original Disney Cruise Line ships, as well as the Palo Steakhouse aboard the Disney Wish. Each iteration offers an unforgettable romantic ambiance. Here's why Palo is one of the best brunch dining journeys anyone could ever ask for.
Written together by Dani Meyering with Meghan Roth, contributing writer, during a hosted media experience. But don't worry, I have dined at Palo many times over the years on my own dime.
Brunch at Palo
Service and Atmosphere
Palo is a staple of each Disney Cruise ship. While the new Disney ships offer a slightly different experience with Palo Steakhouse, the same exquisite experience of Palo awaits. Service on a Disney Cruise is legendary and at Palo I have expertienced nothing but the best service.
Being able to share the experience with my husband and our contributing writer, who had never been on a Disney Cruise before, is a new special memory for me. We dined at Palo the day after we explored Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – a Bahamian paradise with a variety of experiences, including snorkeling among natural reefs.
Delicious Multi-Course Brunch
Palo is designed to evoke the charm and romance of Italy, providing a serene environment that's perfect for a leisurely brunch. Its availability is exclusively for adult guests, making it an ideal spot for parents to enjoy a relaxing meal while their children are engaged in the ship's kids clubs.
Brunch is offered on all ships on most sea days. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for dates and times of Palo brunch while on board.
Our beautiful brunch started with a tantalizing assortment of pastries. Each one was fresh and warm, evoking European delicacies. A perfect pairing with the cup of coffee I ordered alongside my refreshing mocktail.
Palo Brunch Menu Antipasti Selection
Palo Brunch includes two options for antipasto, a seafood lineup or a traditional charcuterie board.
- Seafood Charcuterie Alaskan King Crab Legs, Jonah Crab Claws, Lemon Marinated Shrimp, Marinated Green Lip Mussels, Spiced Ahi Tuna served with Meyer Lemon, Saffron Aioli, and Cocktail Sauce.
- Traditional Charcuterie: Sliced Prociutto, Sliced Coppa, Sliced Bresaola, Salame Gentile, Marinated Cerignola Olives, Roasted Garlic, Caciotta al tarufo, Parmesan Reggiano and Sweet Pepperdew.
Thankfully, we were able to enjoy both, and it was hard to choose a favorite!
Skip the Waffles and Pancakes
At the advice of our wonderful and jovial server, Sandro from Portugal, we skipped over the waffles that were on the menu, Strawberry Waffles, Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Buttermilk Pancakes, Blueberry Pancakes. It's not that the waffles and pancakes are bad, but they are filling and similar to other breakfast items already offered at the other included restaurants on board.
Instead, we focused on the brunch items that are truly special to Palo.
Foods We Enjoyed
My husband and I ordered and shared the following, each dish delighted us:
- Heirloom Tomato and Basil Soup
- Zucchini Frittata
- Tomato and Onion Omelet
- Special Gorganzolla Cheese and Grape Flatbread Pizza
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast
- Lasagna Bolognaise
- Limoncello Almond Torte
- Vanilla Berry Panna Cotta
And that's on top of the incredible pastries and antipasto!
Things to Know
How to get a reservation at Palo
Reservations are required and can be made online or on board the ship. After completing full payment for your cruise and your booking window online opens, you can make reservations for activities and view their pricing online.
Brunch is limited to at-sea days and on the shorter cruises when the ship is in port at Nassau so reservations fill up fast.
Online Reservations
- Log in to My Reservations.
- Go to the “My Plans” tab.
- Select the day you’d like to reserve an activity on your day-by-day itinerary.
- Select “Add Activities” and choose from the options provided.
- Once you’ve selected all your activities for that day, review your choices and add them to the cart.
- Repeat the same steps to add other activities on other days.
- If you’d like to change a reservation already in your cart, simply follow the above steps to access it.
You can also make reservations on board your ship on the day of your departure for all activities, subject to availability. For more information, please stop by Guest Services.
To avoid a cancellation fee, reservations must be cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled reservation time. Please note that Guests who do not honor their reservation will incur 100% of the per-person prix-fixe cost, which will be applied to their folio.
Pro-tip: Restrooms are located just outside Palo, near the waiting area. Many passengers aboard Disney Cruise Line do not notice that all public restroom stalls have a red and green indicator near the door handle to make easier to tell if a stall is occupied.
Disney Palo Brunch Cost
Brunch at Palo is $50 per person. Palo brunch is now server-based instead of a buffet as it used to be. The $50 price includes as many items off the menu as you want to order, along with trays of pastries brought to the table, and your first drink. You can choose from a glass of bubbles, a mimosa, or a non-alcoholic bellini.
I selected the non-alcoholic bellini and it felt just as special and romantic as the “real deal.” A Disney cruise is expensive, and having an additional $50 cost per person for brunch may seem hefty, but it is one of the most relaxing and charming dining experiences at sea.
Dress Code for Palo
Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships are elegant dining experiences. Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s sophistication. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes.
For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted.
Final Thoughts on Palo Brunch
If you're looking to elevate your Disney Cruise experience with a little indulgence and adult-only ambiance, Palo brunch is worth the splurge. From the refined Italian-inspired menu to the serene setting and attentive service, it’s a meal that invites you to slow down and savor every bite.
Book early, come hungry, and take your time. This is one brunch you won’t soon forget.
