Cruise

Cruising with Disney: A Magical Experience

by Daniel Smajovits, photos: Disney

From theme parks to movies, the name Disney comes with a certain cache and more so, very high expectations.

Now, when that name is painted on a 1,000-foot-long ship, you expect perfection – and on a Disney cruise, perfection is what you get. From three to 14-night cruises, Disney Cruise Line ensures a magical experience from the moment you first set eyes on their signature black hull until you’re waving goodbye at the end of your journey.

Itinerary

For most Canadians, the most popular Disney cruise itineraries are Caribbean-centric. From Cozumel, Mexico to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Disney sails to all the most popular destinations that the Eastern and Western Caribbean has to offer. Furthermore, departure points of New York City, Port Canaveral and Miami make them incredibly accessible, especially for quick getaways. With further departure points around the world, other itineraries feature the Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Latin America, Alaska and Europe.

While most seasoned travelers are familiar with the activities and amenities offered at traditional Caribbean ports-of-call, such as lush beaches, adventure activities and tremendous shopping opportunities, unique to Caribbean-based Disney cruises is a bonus stop replete with tranquility, luxury and excitement: Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas which is owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line, serving as a true extension of the cruising experience on land. In line with all Disney creations, the island was developed with a castaway theme in mind and mimics life after a shipwreck.

Unlike most ports of call, a number of activities are included with your cruise and naturally, much like on-board, all food and most beverages are as well. Adults with small children have a number of options as well. Castaway Cay offers a family beach, but should you be looking for some alone time – Disney extends their on-board childcare to the island. Once the children are in good hands, adults can venture off to Serenity Bay, an adult-only respite. Naturally, Disney includes all beach towels, chairs and umbrellas as well as plenty of hammocks for that much needed afternoon nap.

Looking for some exercise? Along with walking paths and adult-only yoga, guests can opt for the Castaway Cay 5K race to burn off those cruising calories. If running or walking is not your cup of (Mad Hatters) tea, then opt for one of the many activities, such as: bicycle rentals, watercrafts, snorkeling, parasailing, massages, volleyball and basketball.

Behind the scenes, over 140 full-time employees ensure that every guest need is met while onshore. From the live music to character experiences, these hard-working cast members live up to every one of your Disney expectations.

On-board Experience

While Disney Cruise Lines’ target market is undoubtedly families with young children, regardless if you’re a couple or a family bursting at the seams, you will find an on-board experience tailored to your every need.

For children, the highlights of every Disney Cruise are the Fireworks at Sea and character experiences. Their eyes will light up brighter and brighter, beginning at Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party to the various themed nights. Should guests be so inclined, Disney also operates themed cruises around the Marvel Comics or Star Wars Universes as well as unique experiences celebrating various holidays.

Equally as important for parents is the Disney’s childcare services. The Oceaneer Club and Lab provide free childcare for children ages 3 to 12. Edge and Vibe provide activities for youth 11 to 14 and 14 to 17 respectively. The It’s A Small World Nursery welcomes children ages 6 months to 3 years old, with a small fee. These services are also available when the ship is at a port-of-call.

While there are plenty of opportunities to relax on-board, for those needing to break a sweat, all ships include a fitness centre, running track as well as other activities such as basketball, shuffleboard and ping-pong. The Dream and Fantasy, which are the newest ships in the fleet, have added Goofy’s Sports Deck with a Miniature Golf course and sports simulators.

When the sun sets, all cruises offer Broadway-quality shows, including original Disney productions on a nightly basis. Naturally, either first-run or popular Disney movies are screened every evening on-deck. Notably absent on all Disney ships are casinos – but all ages bingo is offered while at sea and in-port. Adults can also enjoy the ship’s nightclubs, cabarets, live music and karaoke.

Dining

From sunrise to sunset, guests are immersed in the Disney universe and dining is no exception. Each dinner provides guests with a different Disney experience. Cruises operate on a rotational dining system, which means that guests move to one of three themed restaurants every night. From Tiana’s Palace on the Disney Wonder, which celebrates Princess Tiana to the Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy, an homage to Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, amongst others, each evening represents a unique and unforgettable meal. For those who enjoy building a rapport with their waiter, he or she follows you throughout the rotation. As for the food itself, the cuisine lives up to the Disney name in taste, variety and presentation.

Outside of dinner service, Cabanas is your go-to buffet for breakfast and lunch. In addition to traditional fare, make sure to indulge in one or many Mickey Mouse waffles – a favourite amongst children and adults alike. All cruises offer 24-hour room-service and an abundance of quick service restaurants to ensure that travelers with a Herculean appetite are satisfied.

For the adults, each ship also has an upscale restaurant, fit for the royal family of Agrabah, called Palo. The restaurant is open for dinner every evening as well as offers a Champagne Brunch and High Tea while at sea.

Staterooms

While staterooms on board any cruise ship are very dependent on your price range, Disney Cruise Line try to ensure that regardless of category, you truly feel the magic. With four categories: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah or Concierge, we always recommend picking your room based on budget and need. All rooms share a nautical motif with ample space to ensure that a couple or family will not feel cramped when turning in for the evening. Naturally, size and amenities differ based upon category.

The two newest ships in their fleet, the Dream and Fantasy, both offer staterooms that can accommodate a family of five, which is a rarity at sea. Additionally, for the least picky cruisers who opt for an inside cabin, these two ships feature magic portholes, where cameras on the exterior of the ship feed video to monitors shaped as portholes. In addition to the video feeds, Disney takes this cruise industry first to another level as special guests magically pop into your window throughout the day.

Regardless of your destination or the ship taking you there, once onboard a Disney cruise, you will undoubtedly feel the magic. Whether you’re a couple looking for a relaxing getaway or a family embarking on your first cruise, the charm, attention to detail and wonder that you’ve come to expect from Disney is in full effect on the high seas.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com