Disney Cruise

Everyone of every age finds a special kind of magic created just for them on a Disney cruise. Young cruisers are off to the most spectacular kids’ area afloat, where they can party with pirates and play with Disney princesses. Teens get their own private club, parties, activities and more. While adults escape to exclusive areas whether it’s a pampering spa treatment, dancing to the music at a cool club or enjoying a romantic dinner. Everyone can enjoy their very own cruise; then, gather together to share the most magical moments of all, family time.

* packages can combine Disney cruises with theme parks

Caution (or selling point): no casinos.

Even before the launch of Disney cruise ships in 1998, entire ships were dedicated to family cruises; but when “The Mouse” arrived, he raised the bar.

The Disney Cruise Ships
Two ships– the Wonder and the Magic– depart from Port Canaveral (an hour west of Orlando), and were designed to evoke the grand oceanliners of the 1920′s and 30′s. Two new Disney cruise ships, launching in 2011 and 2012, keep the same style.

Expect class, not Toontown: for example, the grand lobby is covered with “understated Mickeys”: you could almost miss the familiar double-eared shapes.

Some 2700 people can sail on a the Disney Magic and Wonder; ships have 11 decks and all you’d expect for a “floating resort”: fitness center, spa, etc. The Disney Dream, launching in 2011, will have 4000 passengers (plus 1500 crew) – Mickey’s not trying to supersize (like RCI’s Oasis of the Seas, with 5400 passengers). The Dream’s sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, launches in 2012.

* See photos of the Disney Wonder, and renderings of the Disney Dream

Food Experience on a Disney Cruise
Eating is meant to be fun, on board a Disney cruise. Samples from the Disney Wonder:

* the Animator’s Palate is completely outfitted in black-and-white: then gradually the cartoons on the walls become colorful
* “Scoops” — for ice-cream — is popular with kids
* casual buffets are perfect for quick family meals
* and for an adults-only experience, the Palo restaurant serves north Italian cuisine

As with an all-inclusive resort, kids can help themselves to food and drink all day long. Note for those who slurp a lot of sodas: typically sodas are not included on cruise ships. Disney cruises provide free sodas in dining rooms, and at a beverage station on one Deck.

Other food fun includes deck parties, theme dinners, character breakfast, champagne brunch, and high tea (for adults.)

Disney Cruise – Swimming Pools

Guests can expect to find an adult’s only pool, a pool for families (“Goofy’s Pool”), and one for kids (“Mickey’s Pool). Dive-in movies are fun at night.

Disney Cruise – Kids Programs

* Flounders Reef nursery, for ages 12 weeks to three years. (Not an all-included service.)
* Oceaneer Club, for ages 3 to 4, and 5 to 7. Dress-up room; pirate ship; character visits… Counselor to child ratio is 1:15 ages 3 to 4, 1:25 for ages 5 to 7.
* children with special needs are welcome.
* Oceaneer Lab, for ages 8 to 12; computer lab, interactive playroom, science lab, tvs, toys, games.
* Parents get pagers when dropping off kids 12 and under.
* Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open from 9 am to midnight
* teens-only getaway with lounge area, internet, DVD’s, games, and enthusiastic coordinators.
* Teens can take special programs such as digital photography or videography
* on Castaway Cay, teens can sign up for adventures with biking, snorkeling, and kayaking.

For a detailed look at kids programs on a Disney Cruise, see an article at Cruisemates.

Always check the Disney Cruise web site for latest updates!

More Onboard Fun on a Disney Cruise

* sports courts, soccer area
* deck parties; Disney character greetings; movies; dance parties; games like bingo and trivia challenges
* Studio Sea family nightclub, with karaoke, game shows, etc.

The Walt Disney Theater seats nearly a thousand people, and each ship has smaller theaters too. Two musical stage shows are offered on each ship: such as the The Golden Mickeys, a song’n'dance romp with many favorite characters. Theaters have other live shows and also first-run movies.

Staterooms…
-come in many varieties and prices. Two suites have 1029 sq. ft. each. A majority of units are outside staterooms; about half of these have private verandahs.

Disney Cruise Ports of Call
Typically, guests can book 3 and 4-night sailings sail to Naussau, Bahamas, and back, and 7-night sailings to either the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean. Mediterranean cruises have become increasingly popular in the cruise industry in general, and Disney Cruise Line has Mediterranean sailings; a Northern Europe route is offered too, with stops in Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki…

Alaska and Pacific Coast sailings are due to start in May 2011. Other choices may be available too: such as the Panama Canal, or the Mexican Riviera on the west coast of Mexico. Check the Disney Cruise site for current Ports of Call.

Caribbean sailings regularly include the Castaway Cay private island, with snorkeling, kids programs, banana boats, parasailing, and more. (Note: separate pricing for these activities; and beach can get crowded!)

Meanwhile, Land & Sea Vacations combine a Disney cruise plus WDW theme parks and resort.

Disney Cruise Line Information

You’re going on a Disney Cruise and you have a zillion questions. Relax, we have the information you need to plan ahead and have the best time on your voyage.

Starting with the travel documents to the onboard activities, everything you need to know is here. How much is a Disney Cruise? What do I need to wear when dining? What are the kids clubs like? What’s there to do at the ports of call? What’s the difference between the stateroom categories? The answers to these and all of your inquiries can be found in our Disney Cruise Line information section. You can even take a peek at the daily schedule by looking at the Personal Navigators that are issued onboard.

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