Disney Cruises
Disney Cruises
Independent Expert Reviews by Professional Travel Journalists
Think Disney and you imagine the best family holidays ashore. Think Disney Cruise Line and the same applies, except on two of the most exciting ships afloat.
Both 1,750-passenger Disney Magic and its newer sister ship Disney Wonder are both stunning examples of seafaring innovation, managing to comfortably mix the magic of Disney that so appeals to children with enough features to help parents have the perfect holiday.
It obviously helps being a Mickey Mouse fan as everything on board is themed with a Disney twist, yet the ships are surprisingly tasteful.
The great thing about cruising with Disney is that parents are able to relax knowing that all children must wear an ID bracelet showing name, cabin number and muster station. Parents are also given pagers in case of emergencies.
Suffice to say, there is more than enough on board to keep the children entertained with three swimming pools – one for adults only – a poolside movie screen, sports deck, 1,040-seat theatre and cinema. The vast children’s area runs a range of activities for all ages while there is also a teen club and video game arcade.
Disney characters are on board to delight the little ones during children’s play times.
For parents there is a luxurious spa, reservations-only restaurant, adult’s entertainment area and stage shows.
The concept has proved so popular that Disney has ordered two more larger ships, each capable of carrying 2,500 passengers, for delivery in 2011 and 2012.
Originally launched in 1998, Disney Cruise Line created ships purpose built for families to re-connect and recharge while offering something for every member of the family.
The company has grown by attracting passengers who say they would never have cruised if it hadn’t been for the Disney brand.
Many combine a stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with a three, four or seven-night Caribbean cruise, including a stop at the company’s Castaway Cay private island.
Sailings to the Mexican Riviera on the US West Coast have been added this year. With departures from Los Angeles, Disney Magic will sail south to the tropical paradise of Cabo San Lucas, bustling Mazatlan and beautiful Puerto Vallarta before returning with two sea days.
These cruises can be combined with two-night pre or post-cruises stays at Disneyland Resort at one of three resort hotels.
Two new seven-night eastern Caribbean itineraries will run in 2009 with stops in St Croix on one and Tortola on the other, increasing the Caribbean cruise options to four.
