Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is one of the most distinctive and easily recognizable cruise lines in the world, despite being one of the smallest and newest, having only begun in 1998. Disney is famed for its cultural significance: Mickey Mouse and Cinderella’s Castle are known throughout the world, and Disney Cruise Line is rapidly gaining the same stellar reputation.

Enjoy fantasy at sea by sailing with Disney.

The Disney Cruise Line Fleet

There are only two ships in the Disney fleet: the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Both ships are modern megaliners with the ability to hold approximately 1,800 passengers at double occupancy. New passengers must note, however, that due to the overwhelming popularity the line has with families, the ships may accommodate up to 3,300 passengers if all the children’s berths are filled. Each ship blends classic, Victorian cruise liner elegance with incomparable Disney flair to create a unique oceangoing experience for every passenger.

Departure Port

Both the Magic and the Wonder depart from Florida’s Port Canaveral, a short fifty miles from Orlando and the heart of the Disney empire at Walt Disney World. Because of this proximity, the line offers numerous land-and-sea vacation packages that incorporate three- or four-night stays at Walt Disney World’s themed resorts in addition to the cruise.

Décor

Not surprisingly, both ships are decorated in true Disney style, with elegant filigrees and gilt detailing emphasizing the fairy tale ambience. Signature characters abound and ship facilities are named for favorite friends, including Pluto’s Dog House Snack Bar and Mickey’s Kid’s Pool. Adults-only areas are naturally more subdued, while designated children’s areas are decked out in bright colors and friendly smiles. The two ships host some of the best artwork at sea, including exclusive animation cells and production sketches representing the best of Disney’s memorable creations.

Itineraries

Both three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries are available that include a visit to Nassau and Disney’s private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay. Seven-night voyages include Western Caribbean Cruises ( Key West, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel) and Eastern Caribbean Cruises (St. Thomas and St. Martin), and both options also include Castaway Cay. Unlike many lines’ private islands, Castaway Cay has its own pier for easy access instead of ferry service. The line has recently begun offering Mediterranean itineraries as well.

Onboard Activities

Once you step onboard a Disney ship, you enter a magical, wondrous world. Whether you’re getting a casual snack, enjoying a show, or trying a new activity, the experience is filled with the fantasy that defines Disney.

Dining

Disney has put a unique flair into cruise dining by instituting a revolving-dining-room experience for every passenger. Three themed restaurants offer distinctive venues with innovative accents such as color-transforming walls in the Animator’s Palate, where each new meal course reveals more detail in the evolving scenes. Aboard each ship the dining rooms are themed to popular Disney films, and alternative options including room service and casual buffets are always available. As guests rotate between dining rooms on different nights of the voyage, their dedicated team of servers moves with them to guarantee exquisite, personalized service.

Both ships offer a reservations-only adult restaurant, Palo, serving fine Italian cuisine in a more subdued atmosphere than the main dining rooms. Reservations fill up fast, and there is a per-person cover charge.

Unlike most mainstream cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line does not offer midnight buffets. There is a once-per-cruise evening deck party, but otherwise the limited room service menu and snacks available in lounges will have satisfy late-night cravings.

Entertainment

Naturally, all entertainment aboard these ships revolves around family-friendly, Disney themes. Evening shows are often medley arrangements of popular Disney favorites, and feature mild plot lines to keep the audience intrigued. Family game shows are arranged nightly, and the adults-only lounges offer a selection of jazz, piano, nightclub, and sports bar venues. Karaoke is another popular favorite, and can be found in numerous locations. Both ships also offer theaters showing recent movies.

Spas and Fitness

Compared to other cruise lines, the gyms on Disney ships are smaller than average, but the equipment is state-of-the-art and the bridge overlook provides a unique distraction from the workout blues. Spa facilities include private treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room. Massages, manicures, and other pampering treatments are available to give parents as much of a magical escape as their children.

Gambling

Unlike other cruise ships, Disney recognizes its commitment to a total family atmosphere, and there are no gambling facilities on either ship. Depending on the port of call, however, passengers can arrange excursions or individual visits to local casinos.

Games and Contests

Most games, including regular trivia and karaoke contests, are geared for family participation. On seven-night itineraries, the Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer? audience-participation show is a unique diversion and prizes include shipboard credit and another cruise. In keeping with the family atmosphere, the raucous competitions common to other cruise lines (hairy chest contests, sexy leg contests, etc.) are absent on Disney Cruise Line.

Children’s Programs

Not surprisingly, Disney Cruise Line offers the most extensive children’s programs at sea today. Hundreds of kids are booked on each sailing, and programs are divided into five age-appropriate groups. The youngest cruisers are delighted with themed play areas, character visits, story times, and computer games, while older children (8-12) explore marine science, Lego construction, and create a radio show. Teens can hang out in an exclusive club atmosphere with movies, a disco, and an internet center. Teen activities include dance parties, photography workshops, and improve comedy lessons, while longer cruises even offer a chance to learn how to be a DJ.

No private babysitting services are offered on either ship, but nurseries are available with varied hours depending on the ship’s itinerary. There is an additional charge for this service.

Extras

In addition to typical Disney magic, both ships offer fantastic extras that cater exclusively to families. Most Disney cabins have split bathrooms for additional privacy and accessibility, and cabins are generally larger than similar accommodations on different lines to ease crowding. For passengers who book a land-and-sea getaway that includes Walt Disney World, their initial hotel key is also the key for their cruise cabin, eliminating unnecessary paperwork between venues. And one quaint final touch: when each voyage begins, passengers are treated to a musical sendoff via the ship’s organ-style funnel.

Cons About Disney Cruise Line

With such extensive themes and a family focus, the biggest con about Disney Cruise Line is obvious: for passengers without children or who do not care for Disney, this is not the right vacation option. Furthermore, with so many children on board, pools and other public areas can quickly become overcrowded (and yes, children sneak into the adults-only pool as well). After hectic family days, the lounges and other adult areas can be quite tame compared to other lines, particularly at night.

For true Disney fans, both the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic offer a treasure trove of fantastic experiences, from coordinated décor to themed dining rooms to exclusive Disney shows and entertainment. From the moment you step on board to the final debarkation, these ships truly create a fantasy on the sea.

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