With a name like “Disney,” you just know that a Disney cruise is going to be a world class affair. Although Disney is synonymous with family, this cruise line prides itself on offering a bit of something for everyone. In other words, the cruises are extremely kid-friendly, but every member of the family will have an unforgettable time. The Walt Disney Company launched its cruise line – which is made up of two ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder – in 1998, and plans to expand are imminent. Whether you’re a fan of Disney World and the entire cast of beloved characters or not, the Disney offers a truly state of the art cruise experience that’s a wonderful choice for families.
What’s New
Disney is constantly working to bring fresh and exciting experiences to the two ships in its fleet. Recently, the ships were outfitted with a teen version of the extremely popular adults-only Cove Cafe. The teen version boasts a college dorm-like ambiance and features a coffee bar and other nice amenities, allowing teens to have a bit of “breathing room” while on a family vacation. Although Disney’s fleet has always only consisted of two ships, plans are underway to expand the fleet. The Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream are the planned names of the new additions. Finally, the Disney cruise line excited fans with the announcement that they will be launching a brand new Alaska itinerary very soon. The new itinerary will help give guests another exciting option when planning their next vacation.
Known For
As expected, the Disney cruise line pays homage to the most popular Disney characters wherever possible. However, they manage to combine Mickey and friends with a touch of real elegance. They are also well-known for:
Roomy, Well-Appointed Cabins
Since families are the most common groups to book trips on Disney cruises, the line has taken care to include incredibly roomy cabins on both of its ships. One major perk? There are one-and-a-half bathrooms included in each cabin. That way, families in a hurry can simultaneously get ready – they don’t have to wait for a turn, one by one, as they would have to with a single bathroom cabin.
Soda Perks
Disney cruises are designed to help lift the financial pinch that many families fret about when going on a vacation. As a part of that, Disney cruises offer free soda in each of the three restaurants found one each of their ships. Also, a free self-service beverage station is available where passengers can help themselves to soda at no charge as often as they like. This may seem like a small touch, but it’s greatly appreciated – especially by parents!
Movie Theaters
It’s only fitting that the Disney cruise line includes two theaters on each ship, where guests can take in movies and performances. The Walt Disney House is decked out to look like a venerable old Broadway venue, and live performances appear regularly on its stage. Meanwhile, the Buena Vista Cinema features Disney classics and more current Disney films alike. Passengers can enjoy the best of both worlds while sailing the seas on a Disney cruise ship.
Breathing Room For Adults
It’s obvious that the people who planned the Disney cruise line are parents themselves, because while these ships are all about family fun they also make accommodations for adults to relax in peace. One of each ship’s three pools is adults-only, and the Cove Cafe is a quiet, relaxing coffee shop where the grownups can get a much-needed dose of java and maybe do a little bit of reading.
Top Itineraries
The Caribbean
The Disney Magic’s regular itinerary includes a seven night cruise through the Caribbean. Passengers can choose an itinerary based around the Western Caribbean, or one based in the Eastern Caribbean.
The Bahamas
Three and four day trips on the Disney Wonder stay within the Bahamas, but include plenty of fun ports-of-call and enough to keep everybody happy. It’s a nice way to get away for a brief sojourn of sun, family fun and relaxation.
Castaway Cay
No matter which itinerary guests choose – or which ship they opt to travel on – a stop at Castaway Cay is always included. Castaway Cay is Disney’s own private island, and it’s a truly unforgettable experience. There are family beaches as well as adult-only beaches here, making it a suitable place for all.
The Fleet
The Disney Magic
Boasting a sophisticated and eye-pleasing Art Deco design, the Disney Magic is a state of the art ship that has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Deck parties featuring popular Disney characters are a mainstay of the Magic; a topnotch fine dining restaurant and several fast food options assure that nobody will get hungry while at sea. Deck 3’s Beat Street offers up plenty of entertainment options, too, and the roomy cabins are really mini-suites.
The Disney Wonder
The recent addition of improved spa services now allow passengers on the Disney Wonder to enjoy spa treatments on the deck of the ship. An extensive number of family and kid-friendly programs make the Wonder a superb choice for families of all stripes. The three-story atrium boasts a truly breathtaking grand staircase, reminding passengers that Disney has the means to pull out all of the stops – and they do.