"Floating resorts" are an increasingly popular type of (nearly all inclusive) getaway, and it's no surprise that a Disney Cruise is a top choice with families.
Reasons to Choose a Disney Cruise:
- it's Mickey!
- excellent kids' programs
- Flounder's Nursery (at an extra charge)
- lounges for teens and other activities
- a stop at private island Castaway Cay on Caribbean itineraries
- nightly shows including top quality musicals
- packages combining Disney cruises with Disney World theme parks
Caution (or selling point): no casinos.
The Ships
Disney Cruise Line launched its first ships -- the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder-- in 1998 and 1999; 2011 saw the launch of a third ship, the Disney Dream, which has some "wow" features like a 765' "water coaster". A fourth ship will launch in 2012. The ships were designed to evoke the grand oceanliners of the 1920's and 30's.
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 can carry 4000 passengers (plus 1500 crew), a substantial increase, though Mickey's not aiming to supersize. (Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, for instance, accommodates 5400 passengers). The Dream's sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, launches in 2012.
- See photos of the Disney Wonder and the Disney Dream
Caribbean cruises are a core business for Mickey and many sailings depart from Port Canaveral in Florida (an hour west of Orlando) for Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with a stop at the Castaway Cay private island. In 2012, Caribbean sailings will also depart from Galveston.
Also new in 2012 are departures from New York City, including eight-day cruises to the Caribbean, five-nights north to Canada, and two-night weekend getaways. 2012 also sees two sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles: a 15-night itinerary in April (including 9 days at sea) and a 14-night itinerary in October.
Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line has offered Mediterranean sailings for several years in a row. Other destinations include the Pacific Coast north to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera... Read more about itineraries.
Food Experience
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
- the adults-only Palo restaurant serves north Italian cuisine
As with an all inclusive resort, kids can help themselves to food and drink all day long. Typically sodas are not included on cruise ships; Disney cruises provide free sodas in dining rooms, and at a beverage station.*
Other food fun includes deck parties, theme dinners, character breakfast, champagne brunch, and high tea (for adults.)
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.
Kids Programs
More Onboard Fun
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...
* Always check cruise company web sites for updates!
Check for details on particular ships, but as a sample:
-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.
Find Out More:
-Continue to
photos of The Wonder
