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Brought to you by...
John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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"A new Web site called ThemeCruiseFinder.com can help you locate a
theme cruise." Sample themes include: art, astronomy, Christianity, Christmas,
dance, history, and
motorcycles.
Beth, our travel agent, shares her thoughts on cruising: "All of a sudden I'm being bombarded by requests for 'great deals on a summer cruise.' I've written many, many times about what a great vacation value cruising is. It seems that more people are finally willing to give it a chance. Bravo! The thing is, they're waiting too long to book. Gone are the days when you can call up the cruise line a week before sailing and snag a cabin for your family at bargain basement prices. OK, maybe not completely gone, but certainly very rare. The fact is, the cruise lines can't build ships fast enough to keep up with demand. That's especially true of the super liners. They're huge, but the demand far exceeds capacity. Think about it... There are currently only three of those ships that feature surfing onboard. Of their 1,817 cabins, about 20 of them sleep 6 or more. Those tend to book more than a year in advance, right when the sailings are first released. Well over half of the cabins hold only two passengers. Given that these are the coolest ships at sea, how long do you suppose those triple and quad cabins for June and July itineraries last? Not long! My point is that while the ships are really big and have lots of cabins, there aren't as many as you'd think that can accommodate a family. Those that can sell early, especially over times when schools tend to be on break. The tropical itineraries sell earlier than the Alaskan, European or other options as well. So while there are some amazing short-notice cruise deals to be had this summer, they tend to be on non-Caribbean itineraries, for cruises of 7 nights or longer, and on cabins that only sleep two people. NOW is the time to be booking your family cruise for next summer as well as for Thanksgiving and Christmas '09. For Disney cruises, which book up even earlier, I have a waiting list for 2010 sailings. Yes, seriously! You'll get the best pricing, the best choice of cabins, the best shot at free upgrades, and more if you book early. Your deposit will be refundable, so you really have nothing to risk. If you can't do it now, then watch for the World's Largest Cruise Night in October. It only lasts one day, though, so you have to know exactly what you want and have that deposit ready because we'll have to put it in at the time of booking to secure the promotional offers for that day. If you've got flexibility and there are just two of you, then by all means check with me about 90 days before you want to travel and I'll set you up with a bargain. If there are three or more of you, though, and you want just one cabin don't wait or you may miss out entirely." |
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| For a description of the family activities available on the Disney
cruise ships, see: http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/feature/ToyStoryonHighSeas-053008.cfm
Back By Popular Demand! Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for Summer 2008 CELEBRATION, Fla. - The Disney Magic cruise ship returned to the Port of Los Angeles this morning, making it easier than ever for guests residing in Southern California to experience Disney Cruise Line’s highly popular seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is on the West Coast for a limited engagement, sailing just 12 cruises this summer, but staterooms are available for select voyages throughout the season. The ship is scheduled to sail back to Port Canaveral, Fla. on Aug. 17. Disney Cruise Line developed the special itinerary in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback about its original West Coast sailings in 2005 and requests from guests who wanted to see the ship once again depart from the Port of Los Angeles. "When we launched our first Disney Cruise Line Mexican Riviera sailings in 2005, the guest reaction to the itinerary was tremendous. We have a significant Disney Cruise Line fan base on the West Coast and we look forward to another summer season sailing from the Port of Los Angeles," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. Beginning today, the Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The itinerary for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows: 2008 West Coast Itinerary Departing May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10.
* Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . Port of Los Angeles Guests will delight in the unspoiled beauty of the Mexican Riviera. Cabo San Lucas will treat guests to a tropical paradise of white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. Mazatlán offers guests a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta, with more than 100 miles of scenic coastline, will allow guests to absorb the natural beauty of Mexico. Disney Cruise Line developed some magical experiences for the ship’s return to the West Coast including brand new shore excursions exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, enhanced entertainment offerings and themed youth activities. Here is a glimpse at what’s in store: Original Shore Excursions Available exclusively to guests sailing on Disney Cruise Line, the West Coast Signature Adventure Collection offers a luxurious repertoire of fun-filled shore excursions. These adventures offer an intimate way to explore the sights of the Mexican Riviera. Some of the highlights include: Waterfall and Hot Springs Tour in Cabo San Lucas Guests embark in a private vehicle to the East Cape Region in Cabo San Lucas. Once there, they take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall where they can take a dip in the cool waters and marvel at the sandy shores gleaming with gold pyrite. Guests continue to hot mineral springs and melt their cares away with a spa treatment created by Mother Nature. The Villa at Caletas in Puerto VallartaGuests board a private speedboat that whisks them to a secluded oasis only accessible by sea where they have exclusive use of a small villa. Hosts are available to assist in creating a relaxing and enjoyable stay as guests enjoy the snorkeling and kayak activities, take a relaxing snooze in a hammock or laze in a private Jacuzzi. Entertainment Even the world famous Disney Characters are getting in the spirit of the Mexican Riviera with lively entertainment enhancements, including: Minnie’s Fiesta Grande Minnie is getting ready to say "todos a bailar" with a brand new sail-away celebration as the Disney Magic departs the port of Mazatlán. Guests join Minnie and her pals for Minnie’s Fiesta Grande, a fun filled party celebrating the magic, music and culture of Mexico. Youth Activities Children get a taste of Mexican traditions through fun-filled activities aboard the Disney Magic. Here is a glimpse at some of the activities: Churro For Sure-Oh Children learn about one of the most famous Mexican desserts - the churro! They can experiment with different toppings and enjoy their own creations! Piñata Party Children discover the history of this traditional Mexican pastime creating brightly-colored paper piñatas and stuffing them with an assortment of goodies. A special surprise awaits as children get to break their piñatas at the end of the program. Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005. Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14-foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14. Rates for the special West Coast cruises start at $1,449 per person. Guests can book a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera, or a magical three-, four- or seven-night cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., by calling 888/DCL-2500, visiting disneycruise.com or contacting their travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 05/25/08)
Disney helps parents have a stress-free vacation with Disney characters,
experienced counselors, pagers, and an adult-only pool, deck and
restaurant.
Disney Cruise Line adds fuel surcharge: "Beginning with bookings made
as of May 28, Disney will charge the first and second passengers in a stateroom
$8 a day, up to $112 a person per voyage. Any remaining travelers in a cabin
will be charged $3 a day, up to $42 a person." A 7-day cruise will cost a
family of four an additional $154. Disney Cruise Line will open a London office this summer. It is thought that Disney will dock one of its new ships in Europe so it is seeking to expand its presence there. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/14/08)
"Disney has retooled and repurposed another of its modern animated classics
and set it out to sea. Toy Story -- The Musical premiered Thursday,
but there's only one way for fans to see it -- aboard the Disney Wonder,
one of two cruise ships based here."
A Review of Toy Story the Musical: "Disney Cruise Line, not a company
to ignore its showman roots, has just become the first to write, design and
mount an honest-to-goodness Broadway-style show for its Wonder ship."
Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line Reach Agreement New and larger vessels to homeport at Canaveral PORT CANAVERAL, FL- March 19, 2008 - Disney Cruise Line will extend its partnership at Port Canaveral for another 15 years, operating its two new 4,000-passenger vessels from its exclusive-use terminal in Canaveral. After yearlong negotiations, the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners today voted unanimously to approve the agreement, which includes pier and terminal improvements needed for the arrival of the first new Disney ship in 2011. The second ship is scheduled for launch in 2012. "Port Canaveral set the standard for the world's cruise terminals," says Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne. "The terminal, which was built exclusively for Disney, will be enlarged and enhanced for efficient handling of the additional passengers and baggage. We are pleased to continue this partnership that has been successful since the arrival of Disney 10 years ago." In addition, a parking garage will be built to accommodate the 40-percent capacity increase with the two new ships. "This agreement reflects Disney's commitment to Central Florida and success at Port Canaveral," said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. "We are proud to call Port Canaveral our homeport." Disney currently homeports the Disney Magic, offering a seven-day itinerary to the Caribbean, and the Disney Wonder, offering 3- and 4-day voyages to the Bahamas. "The continued partnership with Disney Cruise Line is a win-win for the Port Authority and the Brevard and Central Florida community," says Joe Matheny, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. "This benefits our economy with more local jobs, more customers for area businesses, and expanded cruise options from Port Canaveral." (Source: Press release, 03/20/08)
Canaveral to Homeport Freedom-class Ship Royal Caribbean International's vessels largest afloat PORT CANAVERAL, FL - March 19, 2008 - An agreement between the Canaveral Port Authority and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is expected to be finalized in the next few months to homeport Freedom of the Seas at Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean today submitted a letter of intent to deploy the 160,000 gross-registered ton vessel to Canaveral in May 2009. "The Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise vessel homeported here," says Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne. "And the agreement represents the longest commitment of Royal Caribbean to Port Canaveral." "Bringing a Freedom-class ship to Port Canaveral will give vacationers another homeport choice to experience the most innovative cruise ship at sea," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "Based on the popularity of Mariner of the Seas at Port Canaveral, we look forward to and anticipate similar success for Freedom of the Seas." The 3,634 guest capacity, double-occupancy, Freedom-class ships revolutionized the cruise industry when Freedom of the Seas first was launched in 2006. With Liberty of the Seas, launched in 2007, and the soon-to-be launched Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships feature exclusive onboard amenities, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, a boxing ring for Power-Box conditioning classes, an ice-skating rink, 10-route rock-climbing wall, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of restaurants, bars, lounge and shops that runs nearly the length of the ship. "We are delighted that Royal Caribbean continues to offer those traveling from Port Canaveral with the best the cruise line has to offer," says Joe Matheny, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. (Source: Press Release)
"Even if Disney Cruise Line ultimately decides to join its fellow cruise
companies and tack on a new ticket surcharge to cover skyrocketing
fuel costs, it will not follow the others in charging even those guests who
have already booked."
"After more than a year of negotiations, Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral
struck a deal Wednesday that will keep Disney ships sailing out of Brevard
County for the next 15 years..." Royal Caribbean will dock its Freedom of
the Seas ship in 2009 at Port Canaveral."
For photos of the Toy Story characters as they prepare for the debut of "Toy
Story - The Musical" on the Disney Wonder, see:
"[Nickelodeon] has chartered the largest ship in the cruise industry,
Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, to launch the first Nickelodeon Family
Cruise."
"Toy Story -- The Musical will debut in April aboard the Disney Wonder
cruise ship. It's the latest entry in Disney's expansive live-theater network
that launched in 1993 with the purchase of a Broadway theater and has grown
to include full-blown, movie-based Broadway musicals such as The Lion King,
Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast."
Disney Cruise Line Adds Two Eastern Caribbean Itineraries Amidst a Wave of New Choices for Guests in 2008 & 2009 CELEBRATION, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2007) -- Disney Cruise Line announced today two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 -- giving guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean -- and special offerings for 2008. Beginning in 2009, St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven-night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary. Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven-night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney's traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue). "The Caribbean continues to be an extremely popular destination for our guests," said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. "Expanding our offerings in the eastern Caribbean provides our first-time cruisers an array of popular destinations to choose from, while also providing seasoned Disney cruisers new destinations to visit and explore with Disney." McAlpin noted that there are also special offerings during 2008 including a summer season of sailings to the Mexican Riviera, select cruises with multiple stops at Disney's private island paradise, Castaway Cay, and an enhanced seven-night Land and Sea package that combines the adventure of a Disney cruise with the fun and excitement of a stay at Walt Disney World Resort. 2009. . .New Eastern Caribbean Routes Disney Cruise Line guests have always enjoyed the beautiful turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches of the eastern Caribbean and, on select voyages throughout the 2009 season, guests will be able to explore either St. Croix or Tortola. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wonderful mix of colonial-style architecture, natural wonders, quaint shops and spectacular marine habitats. Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, features centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens, sugar mills, sensational bays and beaches. The new eastern Caribbean itineraries will stop at St. Croix or Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Eastern Caribbean itineraries with St. Croix sail 1/3, 1/31, 2/28, 3/28, 10/10, 11/7 and 12/5/2009 Eastern Caribbean itineraries with Tortola sail 4/25, 5/23, 6/20, 7/18, 8/15 and 9/12/2009 Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer its current version of the eastern Caribbean cruise with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. The traditional eastern Caribbean voyages will sail in-between the special sailings to St. Croix or Tortola. Double the Castaway Cay in 2008 As a special treat during the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line has redesigned the four-night itinerary to offer two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas. Castaway Cay continues to be one of the highlights of a Disney Cruise vacation, and with this new itinerary, guests will have twice as much time -- two full days -- to enjoy all the amenities and activities of the tropical oasis. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and beautiful tropical flowers, Castaway Cay provides the ultimate escape, whether a guest is seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family. Altering the traditional four-night itinerary, these 16 special sailings will bookend a day in Nassau with two visits to Castaway Cay. All four-night sailings from 5/11/08-8/24/08 will include two stops at Castaway Cay Enhanced Land and Sea Package Beginning in 2008, Disney Cruise Line guests will have the option to book an enhanced package for Disney's seven-night Land and Sea Vacation. The new vacation package, Disney's seven-night Land and Sea Package Plus Dining, includes all the perks of the existing seven-night Land and Sea package along with the added benefits of the Disney Dining Plan, which provides guests one sit-down meal, one counter-service meal and one snack per person for each night of their Walt Disney World stay. Disney's seven-night Land and Sea vacation package combines a three- or four-night cruise on the Disney Wonder with three or four nights of accommodations and theme park tickets at Walt Disney World Resort. The addition of the Disney Dining Plan creates a more inclusive vacation experience. Combined with Onboard-Airline Check-in and Disney's Magical Express, this enhanced package is yet another way that Disney helps provide a hassle-free vacation experience. (Source: Press Release)
"Disney Cruise Line plans to make Port Canaveral home base for both
its ships in 2009, ending a four-year adventure that sent one of them to
distant waters in the Pacific and Mediterranean." In 2009, Disney will add
two new 7-night itineraries to its Caribbean cruises: St. Croix and
Tortola. -------------------------------- Unlike other cruise lines, Disney will not impose a surcharge on fuel on any existing or new bookings made through April 1, 2008. (Source: Disney email blast, 12/04/07)
Beth, our travel agent, gives us a teen's reaction to his experiences on a Disney cruise: "I just returned from a Disney trip that was booked at the last minute... one of the perks of not needing to buy airfare to get to the port! This was my third Disney cruise experience, but I was extra-excited about this one because I was doing it with a teenager for the first time. At a month shy of being 14 years old, Justin (not his real name) has several non-Disney cruises under his belt so he speaks as a kid with something to compare to. Here is a bit of his feedback... * The ship and the food are OK. I take that to mean that there is room for improvement in both areas, but neither one is bad enough to be a negative. * The entertainment is awful. Surprised? If you've taken a Disney cruise you shouldn't be. There aren't too many teenaged boys (or probably even girls, for that matter) that would truly enjoy sitting through an hour of G-rated animated movies brought to life. After Justin's harsh review of Hercules, the Muse-ical we didn't even bother trying to get him to see the other shows. Deemed equally lame are all the character appearances throughout the ship and at Castaway Cay. Justin declared the ship's entertainment to be geared solely towards young children, and my (adult) companion and I had to concede that he was 100% correct about that... at least with respect to the entertainment that he was old enough to observe. (He, obviously, didn't get a chance to experience the adult-only areas in the evening.) * The teen hangout (Aloft, on this ship) is pretty cool. The area is in the ship's bogus forward funnel on deck 11. Organized activities don't kick in until mid-morning or later in most cases, no doubt in recognition of the fact that they run into the wee hours of the morning so the teens aren't likely to be awake until nearly lunch time. There are all sorts of things to do up there, and if all else fails they can always watch a movie with their new-found friends. Justin quickly met a few guys to hang out with and seemed to be happy spending most of the day and evening in Aloft. * A few squishies did get in. If you don't know what a squishy is then you're probably a wrinkly. Squishies are kids that are too young to officially be there, but they manage to get in anyway. Justin said no one even checked. If you're the parent of a squishy, though, don't count on that happening when you go because Disney is usually pretty good about enforcing the age thing. (Now that you know what a squishy is, I probably don't have to explain what a wrinkly is... and it goes without saying that if you ARE a wrinkly then don't even think about being seen checking up on your teen unless you enjoy causing your offspring public humiliation and endless teasing.) * Activities, in general, leave something to be desired. Disney ships don't have the high-energy activities onboard that you find on many other ships. No rock climbing walls, skating, surfing, golfing, etc. There is ping pong available, as well as shuffleboard and a small basketball area. An attempt at playing soccer resulted in setting a ball adrift in the sea due to the lack of adequate enclosure of the area. There is an arcade, but it's apparently something that we wrinklies are more likely to enjoy than the teens are. (I was pleased to see Ms Pacman and Galaga, if that tells you anything.) There are computer games in the teen area, but Justin says that some of the best ones actually have a newer version available in the Oceaneer's Lab (area for younger kids). In fact, the younger kids overall seem to have a better selection of "worthy" teen software... something that caused some irritation amongst the teens because the younger kids didn't even know what to do with the "good stuff." * At least 13-year-olds count as "real" teens. All parents understand that being a 'tween is rough... Too old to hang with the little kids, not old enough to be accepted by the high school crowd. Cruise lines don't deal well with that problem. They think they do, but they're missing the boat. (No pun intended.) Disney and Princess start their teen programs at age 13... something your 12-year-old will probably be very unhappy about. Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer young teen programs for ages 12-14. Your 14-year-old will be unhappy about that. The fact is, they all need to do some serious focus group work. By the time a youth hits the ripe old age of 12 they have that Jekyll-and-Hyde thing going on where they can carry on a conversation with the maturity of a full-blown adult one minute and then walk across the living room carpet with muddy sneakers the next. Ideally, a youth program allows enough flexibility for your 'tween to roll with their mood of the moment. That means allowing them into the teen center if that's where they want to be and offering more guided activities for when they're feeling the need for that structure. On the next cruise ship I get to design I'll have TWO teen areas, one geared towards the older set and one geared towards the younger, but allowing ages 12-17 to go to either as they care to. In the meantime, be sure to check out the policy of the cruise line you're considering AND the facilities offered on the ship you're cruising on. Also, be aware that when a sailing has relatively few kids sailing, they'll often combine age groups. That could work for or against you, depending on your child. For the record, Disney Cruise Line has one area for all teens ages 13+ and they have one set of activities. * Castaway Cay day can be super-boring. Those who have been there are probably shocked at that one, but it's true. There's a teen-only beach, but there was no one there for a good chunk of the day so if you want a chance to experience Serenity Bay (the adults-only beach) make absolutely certain that you sign your teen up in advance for the shore excursion called The Wild Side. It's for teens only, takes 4 hours, costs a very reasonable $35, and the vast majority of teens seem to participate. At $15, the Banana Boat ride is also a good idea, and there's an afternoon "teen" time to do it, too. Skip arranging for these activities and you may find that your teen has no one other than you to hang with until mid-afternoon. (Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but you can forget the cabana massage, catching up on your reading, the romantic stroll down the beach, or whatever other vision you have of making Serenity Bay your own personal grown-up paradise.) Maybe this situation wouldn't be the case over peak holidays or summer, but this was a fairly busy cruise (as most are for this line) and I have to think it often works out this way. (Side note - Be sure your youth is well-coated with sunblock because there is VERY little shade on the teen beach .) So is a Disney cruise a good idea for a teen? Well, if all the children going are teens then no, probably not. If you've got some younger children in the group, too, though, then Disney might be a good choice. While other lines have good youth programming and many ships have nice youth facilities, Disney takes the prize hands-down for providing the best cruise vacation experience for the younger set... and when the little ones are happy then the adults are happy, despite the lack of some of the adult activities common on other ships (like a casino, adult-themed games, and plenty of shopping). Justin says a Disney cruise beats staying home, but wouldn't be his first choice. My nearly-10-year-old daughter has yet to do a cruise she didn't love, though, and while she would take a Disney cruise any day over all others, she'd be happy on nearly any ship that made even half an attempt at a youth program. In summary, if providing the best vacation for kids under 10 is your focus, Disney Cruise Line is a great choice. If amusing the little ones AND the adults is equally important check out Princess or Celebrity, and if you want to make everyone happy, including your teens, check out Royal Caribbean's Voyager and Freedom-class ships. Do yourself the biggest favor of all by working with a travel agent who is a CLIA-certified cruise counselor. It won't cost you anything more than booking online (and may cost you less!), and you'll be able to pick the brain of someone that has first-hand knowledge of many different lines and their ships." |
Beth, our travel agent, recently had the opportunity to experience Princess Cruise Line's new Emerald Princess: "Travel agents are bombarded with offers to check out hotels, cruise ships, tour companies, etc. for great rates - sometimes even for free - but, alas, most of us are rarely able to take advantage of the opportunities because it's so hard to get away. On October 26, though, I made an exception and accepted an offer from Princes Cruise Lines to spend the night aboard the new Emerald Princess while she was in wetdock in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm a huge fan of Princess and their newer ships are all lovely, but the Emerald is really exceptional. Those who've cruised on a newer Princess ship (Grand Princess onward) would recognize many areas and instantly feel right at home. That's something that Princess prides themselves on: the details may differ, but the general layouts are all very similar. The ever-popular Sabatini's is back, but this time moved up and to the back to take advantage of the view. I attended a tasting - a sort of pre-dinner with wine - and every morsel of food I had was outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to shell out the extra Bucks ($25 per person the last I checked) to eat there. There's a new bistro area to the buffet section in the evenings which was really very nice when looking for a late-night snack. And the International Cafe area of the atrium is just incredible. While there are nominal charges for most items, the bites that we had were well worth a dollar or two. Fans of Princess pizza (the best at sea if you ask me) will be pleased to know that it's still readily available and as good as ever. A seemingly well-kept secret is the adults-only Sanctuary area. You access it through the spa, but there is no charge to take advantage. There's a pool where you can swim against the current, a totally peaceful (and shaded) area to relax, nap, or read, and a few massage treatment areas (suitable for couples) that look out across the bow to a breath-taking view. The spa itself is as high-tech as any other these days, and the fitness center is huge. We caught a show in the main theater (very good) as well as some comedians in a lounge. The comedians were average; we might have liked them better if we could see them, but it was packed so we were stuck sitting off to the side just listening. Princess entertainment is, in general, pretty good. The children's areas on this ship are outstanding. Each age group has an age-appropriate zone that would keep the vast majority of children (and even teens) happy. The only area likely to disappoint is the tiny little arcade - but remind your kids you don't go cruising to sit in an arcade! It's true what they say about the Movies Under the Stars screen - you really CAN see it well during the day! It's much more fun at night, though, and Princess even offers wool blankets and popcorn to make the experience more cozy and fun. There is also a bright and lively casino aboard and many shops. Nooks and crannies are everywhere if you like sneaking off to somewhere quiet to read, and Skywalker's Nightclub is alive and well on Emerald Princess (although I do miss the escalator ride up). Our cabin was a minisuite and it was nearly identical to the one we had on the Star Princess last spring. They're big and comfy and bright and cheery. The balconies are plenty roomy enough to enjoy a champagne breakfast or afternoon tea (both of which I can highly recommend). Standard cabins are also very comfortable and plenty roomy enough for most people. They're not huge, but are much larger than the standard cabins of ships built 15 years ago. I also checked out a penthouse suite and found it to be a disappointment. The bathroom is enormous as is the balcony, but the living area didn't seem much bigger than our minisuite... just a different layout. We were all impressed with the owner's suite, though. If you've got the money it's the way to go. If you can only afford the penthouse suites, though, save your cash and get a minisuite instead. You won't miss the big bathroom. This ship is nearly identical to the Crown Princess which came out a year earlier in May '06 and the Ruby Princess (due out next Fall). There's something here for everyone, and if you like good food and good service you probably won't be disappointed. The ship is huge, though, so be ready to do some hiking to get around, and there are a few places that are a little hard to find even after you've spent many days on very similar ships. Still, learning a ship's layout is always part of the fun for me. While you rarely find rock-bottom pricing for Princess cruises, there are many great deals to be had which keep Princess very affordable - especially if you plan ahead. The agency I work with generally has group space on several Princess ships a month which gives clients an opportunity to get some great pricing plus some perks (onboard credits, etc.) without literally being a part of a large group. If you already love cruising, give Princess - and the Emerald Princess in particular - a try. If you haven't tried cruising yet, this would be a great place to start!"
Beth, our travel agent, answers common questions about cruises: WHY IS CRUISING CONSIDERED SUCH A GREAT VACATION? * You get to see multiple destinations without packing and unpacking over and over again, spending countless hours driving or sitting in airports, or seeing more of a tour bus interior than the destinations themselves. In fact, many cruise fans think getting there is at least half the fun! * There's plenty to do no matter what your age or how much (or little) activity you're looking for. Newer ships have amazing, age-appropriate children's facilities that provide them with nearly nonstop fun - and while the kids are off playing you can go shopping, play in the casino, get a massage, read by the pool, work on your golf swing, go rock climbing or ice skating or surfing - all without leaving the ship! Whether you're looking for an active vacation or one that helps you recover from an overly active daily routine, cruising will work for you. * The pricing includes your accommodations, more food than you could eat in a year, activities for the whole family, and top-notch entertainment... An all-inclusive vacation for one price, so it's really easy to plan your budget - and the price may surprise you. You'd be mighty hard-pressed to duplicate a similar quality land-based vacation for even half the cost. I STILL DON'T THINK IT'S FOR ME * Claustrophobic? Not a problem. Today's new ships have as many as 700 cabins with balconies and a few hundred more with windows. These ships carry more people than the entire population of many small towns - sometimes over 5,000! They are literally floating cities. You won't feel closed in. * Mobility challenged? Just because mega-ships exist doesn't mean that you have to choose one for yourself. There are still plenty of smaller, more classic ships that provide wonderful cruising vacations. If the thought of walking the length of a few football fields to get to dinner sounds like anything but a fun time, you don't have to worry. There's a ship for you. * Hate regimentation? Some cruise lines pride themselves on providing a 'freestyle' experience: dine where you want, when you want, and with whom you want; take the kids to dinner with you or let the cruise staff take them to dinner so you can have a romantic meal for just Mom and Dad; check out the big Broadway-caliber musical tonight or when they do it again two nights from now - or both! * Get seasick? Today's new ships are a far cry from the old ships of yesterday. They are equipped with stabilizers that can minimize motion to the point that you almost can't tell the ship is moving much of the time. Over-the-counter medications are more than adequate for most people with motion sensitivity - and in a real pinch the ship's doctor can inject you with something stronger. Very few people encounter real problems with sea sickness, but a travel agent can tell you which areas and which times of year are likely to present rougher seas so that you can avoid them if it's still a concern for you. * Quiet, please! The only things you'll ever be forced to do are attend the 15-minute fire drill on the first day and leave the ship on the last day. Otherwise, if you want to sleep on your balcony or sit in the library the whole time that's just fine. And if you'd prefer not to see a single child for the whole length of your cruise, there are plenty of ships that cater to adults. WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT? * There are dozens of ships to choose from, and hundreds of itineraries. To get the vacation of your dreams, you need to choose a cruise line, ship, and itinerary that will fit your expectations. You can't do that by reading online reviews and looking at pictures in brochures. You need the advice of someone who really knows cruising and can help you narrow down the field. * Travel agents that have earned the ACC, MCC, or ECC 'cruise counselor' designation have spent years attending classes, visiting ships, and taking cruises of varying lengths. Most have also completed specialist courses offered by individual cruise lines. Trained cruise counselors love cruising and they want to help you love it, too! * A travel agent works for YOU, not the cruise lines. * Most of the larger cruise lines now prohibit any agency from charging less for a cruise than it can be booked for directly with the line. That includes rebates in the form of gift cards, future travel credits, etc. so surfing the web is likely to reveal the same price over and over; but many agencies block cruise space that gets participants onboard credit, discounted fares, invitations to cocktail parties, free shore excursions - all sorts of things! What's more, clients of agencies that book a high volume with their chosen line often get higher priority on the free upgrade list... but don't confuse 'high volume agency' with the big name cruises brokers that you see every Sunday on the back of your newspaper's travel section or the mega travel sites online. Those companies have little influence over their clients' cruising decisions. Cruise lines know that, so they are more likely to upgrade clients of independent agents and local travel agencies as a thanks for steering clients their way. OK, I'M CURIOUS! If you want to know what kind of cruise deals might be out there for you, Affordable Disney members can log in for my contact info and email me... I'll go through the specials and see what I can find for you - no obligation."
Delight in the ‘Magic’ and ‘Wonder’ of the Holidays Aboard Disney Cruise Line From the happy haunts of Halloween through the revelry of the new year, guests will discover an extra dose of pixie dust aboard Disney Cruise Line this holiday season. From traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to "snowflake" sightings and seasonal caroling, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sparkle with the joy of the holiday season. The festivities begin on the Oct. 27 and 28 sailings, where guests can take part in some Halloween fun. Children will enjoy a trail of candy stations that culminates in a dance party on the top deck and special costume parties in each of the youth activity areas. For adults, there's a dance party and costume contest with prizes for costume categories such as best group, most original and most Disney. With Halloween decorations throughout the ship and scary -- as well as not-so-scary -- movies playing in various venues, children of all ages will enjoy a uniquely Disney twist on this autumn tradition. Then, beginning in late November, the spirit of the season will surround cruise guests from the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla. Disney characters decked out in their finest holiday attire will welcome guests to the lavishly decorated private cruise terminal. Onboard, the festivities continue with special themed activities, decorations, and even a transformed winter wonderland on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. On Thanksgiving Day, guests will delight in a traditional Thanksgiving feast complete with roast turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. After enjoying as much as they care to eat, guests can relax in a deck chair or partake in some of the many shipboard activities such as themed craft projects for the children. To top off the festivities, Mickey and Minnie will don their Thanksgiving costumes. After Thanksgiving, guests will discover continued holiday cheer along with: * A nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby, where "snow" flurries fall and a tree-lighting ceremony occurs. * A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids. * International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe (exclusively on the Christmas cruises). * Special family time for designing and decorating gingerbread houses. * A reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Mrs. Claus. * Traditional holiday feasts in Disney's three themed dining rooms (Christmas cruises only). * Multiple faith and interdenominational holiday services (Christmas and Hanukkah cruises only). * A ship-wide party to ring in 2008 and a New Year's Day tailgate party. The holiday fun even extends to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. When the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder arrive at the sandy Bahamian isle just after Thanksgiving, the island will be transformed into a Magical Wonderland -- a "snowy" holiday hideaway. "Snow" flurries will fall like magic, Christmas trees will glow and carolers will croon. Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, wearing shell noses and tropical attire, will greet guests with a sleigh full of presents. The tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island will be reindeer themed, complete with antlers and tail. At the beach, kids can dive into holiday-themed activities that include making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles. The festivities begin on the Disney Magic on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing on Nov. 24, and on a special four-night Bahamian cruise leaving Nov. 21. Guests wishing to spend the Christmas holiday onboard Disney Cruise Line can enjoy a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise beginning Dec. 22, or a four-night Bahamian cruise departing Dec. 23. From an extra treat on Halloween to a magical holiday season Thanksgiving through the New Year, Disney Cruise Line guests will cherish the memories made on board the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. (Source: Press Release)
Disney Cruise Line Announces Onboard Airline Check-in Service Disney Cruise Line strives to offer guests a hassle-free vacation experience by providing extra services, such as Disney's Magical Express, that help eliminate some of the stresses of family travel. And beginning this fall, select guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will find their vacation experience has been made even easier with the introduction of Onboard Airline Check-In. This new service will allow qualified guests to check-in for their post-cruise flights while on board the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, eliminating the need to do so at Orlando International Airport. Guests participating in Onboard Airline Check-In will enjoy the ease and convenience of not having to collect their luggage upon debarkation--checked luggage will be transported directly from the ship to the guest's flight. While on their cruise, guests' boarding passes will be delivered to their staterooms the day prior to disembarkation. Upon the ship's return to Port Canaveral, participating guests can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando International Airport where they bypass check-in and continue straight to airport security and on to their assigned departure gate. In order to take advantage of this service, guests will need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of the seven participating air carriers: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, or United Airlines/Ted. Eligible guests will be able to enroll for Onboard Airline Check-in by completing pre-registration information received at Orlando International Airport or one of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desks at the Walt Disney World Resort and turning it in during check-in at Port Canaveral. (Source: Press Release)
For the "do's and don'ts on an Alaskan cruise" see: "Disney Cruise Line, which is nearing the end of its initial 10-year contract with Port Canaveral, is pressing the port to cut costs amid suggestions that it might move its cruise ships." Disney is considering ports in Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Seattle. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/02/07) "The Disney Magic left in May for Europe, where it ferried passengers from ports of call in Italy, Spain and France. Later today, the Magic will resume its seven-night Eastern and Western trips through the Caribbean from Port Canaveral." (Source: floridatoday.com, 09/01/07) The Disney Dining Plan may now be added to the land portion of 2008 7-Night Land and Sea Vacations. The plan includes one table service meal, one quick service meal and one snack per person per night at your Walt Disney World Resort. "The Disney Magic has been based at Port Canaveral for nearly a decade. As Disney Cruise Line plans to double its fleet by 2012, the company may move some of its operations away from the Brevard port." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/24/07) "We're in Monaco people watching and gambling... This fantasy-come-true (or at least this very pleasant evening out in a world-famous locale) has been brought to us courtesy of Disney Cruise Line, though Mickey isn't anywhere in the vicinity." (Source: smarttravel.com, 07/16/07) "Plummer was eager to book a spot on an upcoming Disney cruise, along with many of his fellow participants on the unofficial Disney-related message board Three Circles. But when he went to make his final payment and complete his reservation, he was shocked by what he found - a link that enabled him to access personal information about his fellow passengers... [like] home address, date of birth, and even how much each passenger had paid for their rooms and their outstanding balances." (Source: petergreenberg.com, 07/02/07) "Some 2,400 passengers joined Mickey onboard the Disney Magic this month for Disney Cruise Line's first 10-day Mediterranean cruise... [with] Italian music playing daily on hallway speakers, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and wines on the restaurant menus and Spanish, French and Italian souvenirs in the ship's shops, in addition to Disney paraphernalia." (Source: nydailynews.com, 06/24/07)
Disney Cruise Line Arrives In Europe - Begins First-Ever Mediterranean Cruises BARCELONA, Spain (May 24, 2007) -- Thousands of colorful fireworks filled the nighttime sky over Barcelona this evening as, for the first time, the Disney Magic cruise ship approached the Spanish port city nestled along the Mediterranean coast, signaling Disney Cruise Line's first-ever foray into the European cruise market. In grand Spanish style, the 2,700-passenger ship was greeted by a fireworks spectacular totaling nearly 2,200-shells upon arrival to the Port of Barcelona. The Port of Barcelona will serve as homeport for the Disney Magic this summer as it embarks on brand new 10- and 11-night itineraries in the Mediterranean. These cruises provide families with a unique and hassle-free way to explore world-famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Naples, Cannes and Barcelona. "This is a special way to launch our unique Mediterranean cruises," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "Our guests have told us they want to explore different parts of the world with Disney Cruise Line, and we're delighted to provide them with an authentic European experience combined with a fun, family-friendly cruise only Disney can deliver." Continuing to offer a diverse array of itineraries, for the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line will reposition the Disney Magic to the West Coast for seven-night cruise vacations to the Mexican Riviera. Beginning May 25, 2008, the Disney Magic will sail 12-consecutive cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The celebratory fireworks show in Barcelona was choreographed to music that played upon Disney's rich musical history and celebrated the European destinations the Disney Magic will visit this summer. Thousands of local residents gathered along the Barcelona shoreline to catch a glimpse of the Disney Magic and join the festivities. A chorus of cheers filled the ship's decks when the show paid tribute to the newly released film, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." The film made its debut on the Disney Magic later that evening. Disney Cruise Line guests sailing in the Mediterranean will find several new surprises including a brand new stage spectacular at the Walt Disney Theatre, a Mediterranean-themed deck party, European-themed activities for children and family-friendly shore excursions at ports of call. To prepare for the journey, for the first time ever, iPod users can find Mediterranean themed content--port information, travel tips and language guides--plus movies and TV shows in a special travel entertainment store created exclusively by iTunes for Disney Cruise Line. "It was important to add new surprises for our guests during our first-ever European adventure," says Jim Urry, Vice President of Entertainment and Shore Excursions. "We looked for creative ways to showcase the international flavor of our destinations through onboard and excursion activities allowing the entire family to become immersed in the Mediterranean experience." Lavish entertainment is a Disney Cruise Line hallmark, and two notable additions were developed specifically for the Mediterranean sailings. Mickey Mouse's dreams come to life in When Mickey Dreams, a musical spectacle guided by a cast of Cirque-like "dream seekers" at the Walt Disney Theatre. The show's unique, artistic nature will thrill guests, while a nightmare visit by the notorious villain Maleficent serves up a few chills. One night during the cruise, guests will celebrate the summer in the Mediterranean at a carnival-inspired deck party called Party Paradiso. With the help of special effects designed to light up the night, Disney characters and performers ignite the spirit of fun and adventure as guests prepare to explore new horizons. Youth counselors, who are expertly skilled at keeping children of any age engaged and entertained, will weave the cultures of the ship's destinations into many of the children's activities. Up to 70 new activities for kids 3-17 have been planned for the Mediterranean, including Crêpe-making, puppet-crafting, pizza-baking and mosaic tile-making. Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships truly offer something for everyone. Limited availability remains for select Mediterranean cruises. Affordable Disney members can book Disney Cruise Line's next adventure, a special summer season on the West Coast in 2008 with seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera, or a magical 3-, 4- or 7-night cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., by contacting Beth, our travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 05/24/07)
"Getting ready for the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie due out this week, four Walt Disney World resort hotels have created pirates-themed adventure cruises around Disney waters, open to children who do not need to be guests in any of the hotels." Kids can participate in a pirate adventures at:
Tickets: $28.17 + tax per child 4-10. Includes lunch and treat bag. Call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) to make reservations. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07)
Cellular at Sea service allows guests aboard the Disney Magic to use their cell phones and wireless PDA. The service will become available aboard the Disney Wonder this summer.
Disney Cruise Line Signs Contract with Meyer Werft To Build Two New Ships New ships will more than double passenger capacity Disney Cruise Line announced today that it has finalized a contract with Meyer Werft shipyard to build two new ships. Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin and Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard of Papenburg, Germany, signed the contract in front of several hundred cheering cast members at a Disney Cruise Line cast gathering this morning. This is an exciting time at Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to build two new innovative ships that will take our immersive family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level, McAlpin said. Plans to add two 124,000-ton ships to the fleet were announced in February when executives signed a letter of intent to negotiate a construction contract with Meyer Werft. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disneys family cruise vacations. The new ocean liners will be significantly larger than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder with 1,250 staterooms each. Both ships will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to childrens activities, the ships truly offer something for everyone. Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be modern interpretations of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, is reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships feature the same exterior colors as Mickey Mouse, with a black, white, red and yellow palette. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising. New itineraries Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company. Expanding our fleet will give us the flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries in the future, McAlpin said. We are looking forward to taking our guests on new adventures to different parts of the world with Disney Cruise Line. (Source: Press Release, 04/21/07)
"Disney Cruise Line's one-tiered Castaway Club [loyalty program] members get special treatment at embarkation, a welcome perk in these days of long lines. They also get early booking privileges for shore excursions, the Palo specialty restaurant, the spa and salon and for youth activities and Flounder's Nursery. Disney even will give you a 15-day lead over less-Disneyfied passengers when booking onboard options." Plus, the following collectibles:
"A laptop computer accessory mailed to a crewmember sparked a bomb search aboard the Disney cruise ship Magic on Saturday, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported." (Source: local6.com, 04/07/07)
Applause, Applause! ‘Disney Dreams . . . An Enchanted Classic’ And New Sail-Away Party ‘Wow’ Guests On Disney Magic and Disney Wonder CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Snow falls in Walt Disney Theatre. Lasers generate sparkling pixie-dust trails. New Disney character performers take a bow. And the deck-party fun ramps up several notches. It's part of a flurry of onboard fun that will debut this spring on both Disney Cruise Line ships. One of the most popular, long-running shows on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, "Disney Dreams," will display new dazzle as "Disney Dreams . . . An Enchanted Classic" with elaborately enhanced special effects, animation and new scenic elements. As a bonus, two beloved character cast members -- Timon and Pumbaa of Disney's classic film "The Lion King" -- make their first-ever appearance on a Disney Cruise Line ship. The revitalized show will debut on the Disney Wonder March 21, 2007, and will be unveiled on the Disney Magic just in time for the ship's inaugural season in the Mediterranean this May. At the opulent Walt Disney Theatre, the enhanced "Disney Dreams . . . An Enchanted Classic," tells the story of a young girl who learns about the power of dreams. New laser effects allow Tinkerbell to "sprinkle" the theater with sparkling pixie-dust trails, and fresh animated video footage brings the show to life like never before. During a scene from the classic film "Beauty and the Beast," "snow" literally falls upon the audience. When Cinderella takes the stage, special pyrotechnic effects add glitter to her sartorial transformation from rags to ball gown. And Timon and Pumbaa appear for a musical medley of "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Hakuna Matata" from "The Lion King." Additional musical numbers during the 55-minute performance include: "You Can Fly!" "A Whole New World," "Prince Ali," "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "So This Is Love," "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea" and "Beauty and the Beast." (Featured on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) "We're committed to refreshing onboard entertainment and adding new theatrical surprises for our guests," says Jim Urry, director of entertainment for Disney Cruise Line. "Fans of our original 'Disney Dreams' show will be blown away by the enhancements." Also beginning this summer, guests on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will find a greatly enhanced Sail-Away Party, featuring new music, interactive dances and appearances by the world-famous Disney characters on the upper decks. Taking full advantage of the Ariel Vision jumbo screens recently added to both ships, new visual elements are planned for the show and guests attending the party may find themselves dancing on the "big screen." The party culminates with the sounding of the signature Disney Cruise Line "When You Wish Upon a Star" horn, signaling the official start of the ultimate cruise vacation. (Source: Press Release)
Angela writes about her land and sea vacation: "We were approached by the Dream Squad and named the New Official Family of the Hundred Acre Wood. I was disappointed it wasn't a free vacation, but it was still neat. My daughter doesn't even like Pooh! I also have a tip I can pass on. The Land/Sea packages include 7 day park hopper tickets. However, we only used 3 days. We paid about $90 extra per 7 day ticket to upgrade the tickets to no expiration date. We asked what the price of one ticket would be out right and was told they would be about $240. No, telling how much they would be in a couple of years!"
Disney Announces Expansion of Successful Cruise Business Two New Ships Will More Than Double Passenger Capacity The Walt Disney Company plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations. The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date. "Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us." Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand. "Focusing on families has been smart business for us," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent." Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising. Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, "This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level." New itineraries Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices. "With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries," Rasulo said. "This is a business that our guests love, and we're pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships." (Source: Press Release, 02/22/07)
Robyn writes: "Mr. Gross: I am particularly interested in your discounts for the Disney cruise. We want to go in June (July, too) and I wanted to see if you anticipate having discounts available for June? We have to get passports which takes about 8 weeks and I wanted to see if joining your club would provide June discounts. Thanks." Yes, we expect deals for June and July.
WRAL.com makes this suggestion for the Disney cruise: "Nassau is over-commercialized and can easily be skipped during the cruise. Instead, when the ship docks, head directly to the Atlantis Hotel. There, you can spend time relaxing on the hotel's beach and playing in both the waterpark and the casino." (Source: wral.com, 02/19/07)
Back By Popular Demand! Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for 2008 Disney Cruise Line announced today that the Disney Magic cruise ship will return to the West Coast for the summer of 2008 to once again offer its highly popular seven-night Mexican Riviera sailings. Disney Cruise Line developed this special itinerary in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback about its original 2005 West Coast sailings and requests from guests who want to see the ship once again departing from the Port of Los Angeles. “Through Disney Cruise Line, we are able to offer people a different way to vacation with Disney outside of our theme parks, and we can take our ships to various parts of the world, providing new audiences with immersive Disney experiences,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Beginning May 25, 2008, the Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said, “The Disney Magic experience is unique, and it is only fitting that it return to the port of such a unique city, Los Angeles. The West Coast experience that Disney will offer exclusively out of the Port of Los Angeles will generate much business and tourism revenue that will bolster our local economy.” The itinerary for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows: 2008 West Coast Itinerary Departing May 25; June 1; June 8; June 15; June 22; June 29; July 6; July 13; July 20; July 27; Aug. 3; Aug. 10.
Sunday - Port of Los Angeles Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin said, “When we launched our first Disney Cruise Line Mexican Riviera sailings in 2005, the guest reaction to the itinerary was tremendous. We have a significant Disney Cruise Line fan base on the West Coast, and we look forward to taking the Disney Magic back to the Port of Los Angeles in 2008.” Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005. Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14 foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14. Guests booking a Mexican Riviera cruise can combine the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line vacation with the fun and excitement of Disneyland Resort by booking a two-night pre- or post-stay at one of Disney’s three Anaheim resort hotels.
In addition to the 12 Mexican Riviera cruises, Disney Cruise Line will offer
two 15-night repositioning cruises through the Panama Canal. The Disney Magic
will depart Port Canaveral and head west on May 10, 2008, with the return
cruise to Florida scheduled for Aug. 17, 2008. 2008 Panama Canal Cruises Departing May 10, 2008 (to California)
Saturday - Port Canaveral Departing August 17, 2008 (to Florida)
Sunday - Port of Los Angeles Rates for the Mexican Riviera cruises start at $1,599 per person, and the Panama Canal repositioning cruises start at $1,699 per person. Both special itineraries will be available to book starting Jan. 31, 2007. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 01/18/07)
New Itineraries and Pixie-Dusted Enhancements Await Disney Cruise Line Guests in 2007 CELEBRATION, Fla. -- With the elegant style of classic ocean liners and upgraded amenities worthy of a palace, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are setting sail in style during 2007. The Disney Magic will for the first time call on ports in Spain, Italy and France throughout the summer. The Disney Wonder was recently refurbished to include a spa makeover, jumbo poolside LED screen and a new toddler splash-zone for non-potty trained children. Itineraries -- Throughout the entire year, Disney Wonder offers fun and excitement as it voyages to the popular port of Nassau, the Bahamian capital teeming with tropical and historic sights. Guests then sail on to Castaway Cay, where the livin' is easy and the fun is non-stop. A tropical paradise fringed with palms and framed by sparkling seas, the island offers special amenities for kids, teens and adults. Disney Magic voyages promise plenty of adventure in 2007. The tropics envelop guests who embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to white-sand beaches and colorful island towns and villages. Beginning May 26 and continuing through August, Disney Magic ventures "across the pond" for 10- and- 11-night itineraries that include Barcelona, Spain; Palermo, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Olbia, Sardinia; Rome; Florence, Italy; and Marseille, France. Entertainment -- Princesses and other popular Disney characters rule the stage while pirates take over the deck to keep guests entertained nightly aboard Disney Cruise Line. An accomplished cast, elaborate costumes, lavish sets, surprising special effects and classic Disney tunes as well as original compositions enrich the shows shown in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, which include: * "The Golden Mickeys," a salute to Walt Disney and his legacy of animation magic with theatrical song and dance, animated film, video and some of the most technologically advanced special effects at sea. * "Disney Dreams," a bedtime story featuring Peter Pan, Belle and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella, Ariel and many other popular Disney characters who help a young girl realize the power of her dreams. * "Hercules -- The Muse-ical," a musical comedy in which the title hero teams up with a motley villain, a Greek goddess, two wacky sidekicks and, of course, the muses to deliver romance, laughs and sensational songs from the Disney animated hit film, "Hercules." (Disney Wonder only) * "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story," which begins where the original ended and features Cinderella, Prince Charming and other favorites from the classic fairy tale, plus a zany new character. (Disney Magic only) During each cruise, guests also can join in the fun of the "Pirates IN the Caribbean" dinner and deck party, an evening of adventure beginning with a feast fit for a pirate and continuing with a duel between Captain Hook and Captain Mickey. Guests don bandanas, stunt performers rappel from atop the ship's funnel and the night sky illuminates in a blaze of fireworks. First-run films and classic Disney features play daily in the state-of-the-art Buena Vista Theatre. And now guests can chill out on lounge chairs and enjoy movies and major sporting events on a jumbo LED screen located poolside on Deck 9. Dining -- The novel dining experience aboard Disney Cruise Line rotates guests through three imaginatively themed restaurants during the cruise -- the casually elegant Lumiere's (Disney Magic) or Triton's (Disney Wonder), the whimsical, island-inspired Parrot Cay and Animator's Palate, where Disney animation paints the evening with living color. For adults, Palo offers an elegant dining alternative with sweeping ocean views and northern Italian cuisine. On longer cruises, champagne brunch and afternoon high tea draw adults back to Palo during the day, and the entire family can enjoy the Disney character breakfast or tea with Wendy. The casual Topsider Buffet (Disney Magic) or Beach Blanket Buffet (Disney Wonder) serves up a bounty of great tastes for a laid-back breakfast or lunch. Youth Activities -- Peter Pan might never grow up given the choices of activities in the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7), Oceaneer Lab (8-12) and The Stack or Aloft (teens only). In fact, Oceaneer Club is themed to Peter Pan's Neverland and Captain Hook's pirate ship, offering a storybook escape where kids can scramble around a rope bridge and slide, watch movies and participate in activities that sometimes include Disney's popular cast of characters. Activities are broken down further by specific age groups -- children ages 3 and 4 can dance with Snow White, engage in craft activities or join Sebastian's Musical Sea Search; kids 5-7 can dig into some funny science by creating a sticky-green goo like Flubber or learn how to draw Mickey Mouse in an animation workshop. Oceaneer Lab offers older kids a chance to check themselves in and out of activities at parents' discretion. This virtual world of fun includes a video wall with wireless controllers, flat-screen computers with "family-rated" software, plus loads of other age-related toys and activities. Fun stuff for kids 8-9 includes building your own volcano, baking cookies and producing wacky radio commercials with sound effects. Ten- to 12-year-olds can participate in a trivia game show, search for clues in a Mystery Challenge and join friends at a nighttime pool party. At The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder), teens have their own dance floor, Internet café and lounge with big-screen plasma TVs -- even the counselors are cool. Teens who want to get involved can join in poolside games, learn the latest hip-hop dance moves and tap into some karaoke to find their inner rock star. And the brand-new Ocean Quest hangout, found only on the Disney Magic, offers a fourth onboard location just for youth activities. The nautical-themed space is filled with computer and video games and arts and crafts activities. Plasma screens show movies, and a simulator game, complete with kid-size replica of the ship's bridge and LCD screen "windows" with views from the actual bridge, lets kids steer the Disney Magic in and out of ports around the world. The youngest sailors (12 weeks to 3 years old) get special care at Flounder's Reef Nursery so that parents get some down time to explore the ship on their own. Adult Activities -- First-rate pampering is in store for guests who seize the opportunity to enjoy the newly expanded Vista Spa and Salon complete with indoor spa treatment suites attached to breezy, private outdoor verandas. The 10,700-square-foot Vista Spa includes a spacious fitness area -- recently doubled in size -- with cardio and weight-training equipment, spinning classes, and even private salons designed for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations. Nighttime is for burning up the dance floor at WaveBands (Disney Wonder) or Rockin' Bar D (Disney Magic). And there's room for romance at the Cadillac Lounge (Disney Wonder) or Sessions (Disney Magic), where live piano music pairs perfectly with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Game devotees can play board games or watch sporting events at Diversions, a classy sports pub with every amenity. Enrichment programs for adults include a wine tasting and a behind-the-scenes peek at onboard entertainment. The Quiet Cove Pool with adjoining whirlpool spas is a haven for adults, and on the private island Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is just for adults with a private beach, open-air bar, couples' hammocks and private massage cabanas. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press release)
All That Glitters is Holiday Magic Aboard Disney Cruise Line CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Holiday magic will deck the halls and add sparkle to the decks for guests who sail with Disney Cruise Line beginning this Thanksgiving and continuing through to the New Year. Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will spread an abundance of holiday cheer, from traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to "snowflake" sightings and seasonal caroling. A special 10-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise is planned for Disney Magic from Dec. 16 through Dec. 26. The Eastern/Southern Caribbean cruise will call at ports not typically on the Disney Magic cruise itinerary, including St. Lucia and Antigua. The spirit of the season will surround cruise guests from the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla. Disney characters decked out in their finest holiday attire will welcome guests to the lavishly decorated private cruise terminal. During holiday sailings, guests will discover: Thanksgiving festivities complete with Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings, craft activities with a focus on pilgrim hats and turkeys, and visits by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in Thanksgiving costumes. A nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby, where "snow" flurries fall and a tree-lighting ceremony occurs. A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids. International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe (exclusively on the Christmas cruise). Special family time for designing and decorating gingerbread houses. A reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Mrs. Claus. Traditional holiday feasts in Disney's three themed dining rooms (Christmas cruise only). Multiple faith and interdenominational holiday services (Christmas and Hanukkah cruise only). A ship-wide party to ring in 2007 and a New Year's Day tailgate party. During the Thanksgiving holiday, Disney Magic embarks on a special Western Caribbean journey, during which the ship sails twice to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The seven-night voyage departs Nov. 18, arriving first at Castaway Cay for the usual Disney Cruise Line visit. When the ship returns the day after Thanksgiving, the island will be transformed into a Magical Wonderland, where the sandy Bahamian isle becomes a "snowy" holiday hideaway. "Snow" flurries will fall like magic, Christmas trees will glow and carolers will croon. Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, wearing shell noses and tropical attire, will greet guests with a sleigh full of presents. The tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island will be reindeer themed, complete with antlers and tail. A four-night Disney Wonder cruise stops at Castaway Cay on Thanksgiving Day. At the beach, families can learn the art of sand sculpting, and kids can dive into holiday-themed activities that include making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake-mobiles. The Disney Magic 10-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departs Dec. 16, with visits to Key West, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas/St. John and Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder four-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. To celebrate the New Year, Disney Magic departs on its seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 30; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its four-night cruise. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 10/19/06)
Stay Connected at Sea -- Disney Cruise Line Unveils Wireless Internet CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will find it easier than ever to stay connected to family and friends back home by utilizing new wireless high-speed internet on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships. Guests with wireless-ready laptops will find several wireless "hot spots" on the ships, including most of the public areas -- such as Beat Street (Disney Magic)/Route 66 (Disney Wonder), Promenade Lounge, Studio Sea, Cove Café and all open areas on decks nine and 10. Rates for wireless access start at $.75 per minute, but minutes can be bundled in increments of 100- and 250-minutes at $55 and $100 respectively. Guests not traveling with laptops can use existing internet cafés located in the Promenade Lounge, Cove Café, Aloft (Disney Wonder) and the Stack (Disney Magic). (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release)
"Star-struck Mouseketeers of all ages can now get a live look-see at the Flying Dutchman, the ship made famous in Disney's latest flick Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, on the line's private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay." (Source: baltimoresun.com, 10/22/06)
Water, Water - Everywhere! Disney Cruise Line Now Offers H2O Plus Spa Products in All Staterooms Additional Stateroom Amenities Enhance the Disney Cruise Line Experience CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line guests soon will be able to absorb the enriching benefits of the ocean while sailing on the high seas. Beginning in October, the cruise line is introducing H2O Plus Spa bath and shower products to all 877 guest accommodations on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. These high-end products, derived from marine botanicals, bring a piece of the ocean into every stateroom. The high-quality, water-based H2O Plus products being stocked on the Disney Cruise Line ships include Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo, Marine Collagen Conditioner and Hydrating Body Butter from the H2O Plus premium Spa line -- all in uniquely designed, co-branded bottles. Guests staying in concierge-level suites will find additional H20 Plus offerings such as Sea Salt Body Wash and Solar Relief Gel. The upgrade of every family-friendly stateroom onboard both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder also features new Sealy Posturepedic Premium Plush Euro-top mattresses, new pillows and Frette 300 thread-count, 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens. In addition, larger, more luxurious bath towels and bath sheets have been added to all stateroom bathrooms. In all concierge-level suites, there are comfortable duvets and a new "Pillow Talk" program which allows concierge guests to choose from a selection of hypo-allergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam pillow options. Sea-derived skincare innovator H2O Plus, L.P. has been making a splash in the specialty global retail market with an array of skincare, spa, bath and shower and color cosmetics products for the last 16 years. The company's entrepreneurial founder and creative director, Cindy Melk, has grown H2O Plus from a concept of water-based, sea-derived formulations to an internationally recognized branded company. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort also are available. This fall, the Disney Wonder will sail two first-ever 10- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean. In the summer of 2007, for the first time, Disney Cruise Line will reposition the Disney Magic to the Port of Barcelona and offer alternating 10-night and 11-night Mediterranean cruise vacations to Europe.(Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release)
Dry Dock Brings More Magic to the Disney Wonder Something New For Every Member of the Family - Toddler Splash Zone, Jumbo LED Screen, Spa Enhancements and Luxurious Upgrades to Adult Pool One of the most magical ships afloat is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Following two weeks in dry dock this October, the Disney Wonder will offer more options for adults, children and families, and further enhance the personalized vacation experience Disney Cruise Line is known for providing its guests. The changes will be hard to miss, especially on the pool decks: whimsical additions are planned for the Mickey Pool, major entertainment offerings will be unveiled at the Goofy Pool, and a splash of upscale elegance is being added to the adult-only Quiet Cove pool. Other modifications will be made to the onboard conference rooms, the Vista Spa and Salon and youth activity spaces. New For Kids of All Ages After dry dock, there will be something new on the ship for children of all ages - including the youngest set of cruisers - toddlers. An extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 is designed specifically for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Reminiscent of Mickey’s sorcerer hat, the 385-square-foot toddler water-play pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains and splash zones. At Oceaneer Lab (ages 8-12), a new computer simulator allows children to see what it’s like to steer the Disney Wonder in and out of various ports of call. The simulator is built into a replica of the ship’s bridge, complete with giant video screens that provide a panoramic view of the ports - similar to the view from the actual ship’s bridge. Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7) will expand on its Neverland theme and revamp the Captain’s Closet dress-up area, creating more space for hands-on, interactive activities for the children along with additional PlayStation and computer stations for individual play. New Family Fun Disney Wonder guests will enjoy poolside movies on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9. At the Goofy Pool (family pool area), families can gather and watch classic Disney animated or live-action movies on the giant 24-by-14-foot screen. Other programming will also be available - such as popular TV shows and major sporting and broadcast events - and the 336-square-foot screen will greatly enhance outdoor entertainment and deck parties in and around the Goofy Pool area. New Adult Activities At the Vista Spa and Salon, guests will find three specifically designed spa villas - complete with an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal hot tub, open-air shower and luxurious chaise lounge. With incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes, the new treatment suites provide guests with a romantic getaway into a tranquil oasis without ever leaving the ship. As part of the Vista Spa expansion, the fitness center will double in size, providing space for more exercise equipment, an area for spinning classes and private salons for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations. The Vista Spa and Salon is an area reserved exclusively for adults aboard the Disney Wonder. The expansion adds an additional 1,700 square feet to the fitness center, bringing the total size of the Vista Spa to 10,700 square feet. Adjacent to the Vista Spa, the Quiet Cove adult pool is undergoing a makeover with waterfalls cascading from the two hot tubs, and teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions lining the pool. Guests visiting the Quiet Cove pool will find a peaceful respite that looks and feels like an outdoor extension of the Vista Spa. New for Business Travelers The Peter Pan, Fantasia and Steamboat Willie conference rooms on deck 2 are being transformed to rival any meeting space on land. A combination of warm wood tones mixed with Disney nostalgia, each conference room will contain state-of-the-art business presentation tools, complete with LED flat-screen TVs. The meeting space will also host a business center, individual computer stations and a refreshment bar. In addition, business travelers will find more Wi-Fi Internet stations inside the popular adult coffee bar, Cove Café, located on deck 9. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 09/21/06)
[There may be an announcement that] the third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is being built and will be home ported in Southern California... it's a commitment that should be announced by next summer with a first year sailing itinerary slated for the end of this decade. You can expect summertime trips up to British Columbia and the Alaskan glaciers, and wintertime trips down the Mexican Riviera, all tied in to a few additional days at Disneyland." (Source: miceage.com, 10/04/06)
Kermit the Frog and the Muppets are now entertaining guests on 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises.
DISNEY CRUISE TRIP REPORT Beth, our travel agent, writes: "You'll never guess what I did last weekend (June 17)... I went on a Disney cruise! It's important that I first point out that Disney treats travel agents well, but traditionally not as great as some other suppliers. For instance, I get invitations for free trips to Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Las Vegas all the time. Disney has picked up my bill exactly once in all the years I've been selling their products - and that puts me miles ahead of most agents. So when they offered a 'special' agent rate on a Disney cruise it caught my attention. The normal agent rate for a 3-night cruise in an ocean view cabin in June would be about $450 p/p. The offer I got last week was $215 p/p! And that's the cruise fare, the port charges and fees, AND the prepaid gratuities! Couldn't say no to that! So I quickly packed up my 8-year-old daughter and myself and we drove the 4.5 hours to Cocoa Beach. A half hour stop along the way made it not too bad. We checked into the Radisson Resort at the Port - one of my favorites in the area - and then changed for a quick swim in their nice pool. My daughter LOVES that she can swim under the waterfall there, and since she had no idea why her mother had dragged her to the other side of the state yet, that alone made her decide it was worth the journey. After changing, we walked next door to a family restaurant for a decent, albeit casual, dinner and then headed back to the room to enjoy one of the real perks of this resort. We booked a 'king suite.' The main room had a living area complete with TV, sofa bed, chair and ottoman, desk hooked up for free high-speed internet access, a dining table for four, and a small kitchenette (sink, microwave, frig, coffeemaker, plates, utensils, mugs and glasses). It's separated from the bedroom by curtained French doors. The bedroom had a king Sleep Number bed and really comfy bedding, a nice large shower in the bathroom, and - here's the real treat - a big whirlpool tub in the corner of the bedroom. The room was clean and well-maintained and very cheery, and it also comes in a version with two beds so you can potentially get up to 6 people in these suites. In the morning, we walked across the street to McDonald's for a quick breakfast, and then drove the two miles or so to the port. You need to produce a photo ID to get into the unloading area, and your name has to appear on the manifest. Then you can pull around and drop off your luggage before heading across the street to the parking area. When we arrived there was only one parking lane open and there were two cars ahead of me. I could see an elderly man in the booth, but he sure seemed to be taking his time! It was about 10:15 by then and cars were starting to back up onto the street. As the first booth finally opened, a second man showed up to get the other booth going. You can't reach the booth from your car window so you have to get out and conduct your business standing at the window. After five minutes or so the first car moved on and we all pulled up. Then we waited and waited for the second car. When it was our turn I found out what the problem was... The credit card machine wasn't processing in either booth. Now, I had some cash on me, but not a lot. Cruising is, after all, a cashless vacation. I was given the option of pulling aside indefinitely or coming up with the cash, so I handed over $36 for the three-night stay. At least I got a good spot! You again have to show your photo ID and appear on the manifest once you've crossed back to the terminal side of the street. Then you go through security - similar to an airport - and head up the stairs where you are stopped by someone who wants to review all your documents before you get in line. If there's anything you were to sign or fill out and missed they'll catch it there. There are separate lines for people staying in suites, Castaway Club members (repeat cruisers), and everyone else. We got in the Castaway line, but got called in under a minute to one of the windows that was open. I thought it was funny that I was asked to sign a cast member agreement because I was traveling on an agent rate. It basically said that I agreed to be OK with the fact that full-fare paying passengers would get preferential treatment and that I could be asked to change cabins, dining tables, etc. to accommodate others. For the price I got, I'd have been OK with sleeping in the lobby so I signed. The monitors which usually show Disney movies to entertain the children were not working, so the hour-long wait for boarding dragged a bit. DCL now boards using a system similar to many airlines. When you arrive you get a card that tells you what group you're with, and then around noon they begin calling those groups. Although we arrived pretty early we were in group two - but groups one and two were boarded at the same time. We smiled for the photographers and then boarded the ship and were welcomed aboard with the announcement of our names. Then we headed up to the Parrot Cay dining room for a wonderful buffet lunch. (Lunch was also being served at the Beach Blanket Buffet.) We were forced to drag along all our carry-on bags (camera, laptop computer, small duffle bag) since all of the cabin areas are roped off with signs that say they will be open at 1:30. They were serious. We spent about 25 minutes after lunch sitting on the steps outside the passage to our cabin before the ropes were dropped promptly at 1:30. Note to self: limit carry-on baggage next time. Our category 9 oceanview stateroom was great for just the two of us... plenty of space and a huge, round window (think giant porthole), and it would be OK for three people as well, but if there are four of you then seriously consider the somewhat larger category 4 option if your budget can handle it - especially for a longer cruise. I unpacked everything in our carry-on bag and then started looking through the printed materials left in our room while my daughter checked out what was playing on TV. She was thrilled to find out that the new Disney-Pixar movie Cars had opened in the movie theater at the same time it opened cross-country. Our status as repeat cruisers had also earned us a nice beach bag which she had fun checking out. Time flew and it wasn't long before the announcements for the mandatory drill started. When we opened the cabin door to head to our assigned position, there was our luggage! We tossed that inside and hiked up two flights of stairs to the main theater where we sat in our bulky orange vests until we were cleared (only a few minutes). Then back to the cabin to finish unpacking. Then we went up to deck 9 to check out the bon voyage celebration and get a drink. It is SO nice to have that soda station up there now, free for all. Way better than having to buy a special mug. Before long we were underway, and after exploring the ship a bit more we headed back to the cabin to clean up for the evening. I'd have preferred early dining, but wasn't given an option and was assigned to the 8:15 seating. As we changed, the maitre d' called and informed me that he'd changed our table to accommodate a family that had been split up. So I corrected my dining card to the new table number and then we headed to the theater for the evening's big show. On most ships, you need to show up about a half hour before show time if you want to sit front and center. You'd think that parents would be even more anxious to get those seats when their children are involved, but not the case here. We showed up at 6:00 for a 6:15 show and had no trouble getting great seats on the aisle near the front. The opening night show, Hercules - The Muse-ical, was a big hit. It's a little bit slap-stick for my taste, but the kids love it and it's very well done. (This is an older show and I've seen it before, but I have to say I liked it better this time.) I find it amusing that Disney's managed to work some rather adult humor into the show in such a way that it goes right over the heads of the little ones watching. It's brief and subtle and it will throw you off a little when you first hear it, but once you realize your kids missed it completely you'll relax and have fun listening more closely to the dialogue. After the show we had about 45 minutes to kill before dinner so we headed to the Oceaneer's Lab, filled out a little paperwork, and got a beeper assigned for the cruise. My daughter was given a wristband to be worn throughout the weekend as well as a badge that showed both her name and some codes that are apparently helpful to the staff. You're supposed to have these badges on your children whenever you bring them to play, and from time to time over the weekend they stuck color-coded dots onto the badge to further assist them in keeping the kids sorted out. (Nothing bad happens if you forget the badge; they will come up with something temporary.) At 8:15 it was time to hit Animator's Palate for dinner. Our new table assignment paired us with another travel agent (from Virginia) and her 5-year-old son. Both children were VERY tired by then, and it didn't help that the service that evening seemed exceptionally slow. In fact, it seemed very slow to me all weekend - but I can't be sure that it wasn't tied to that piece of paper we all had to sign. Perhaps the servers had been informed of who the travel agents were (apparently there were plenty onboard) and were simply serving everyone else first. In any case, the food was excellent and Animator's Palate is always a fun restaurant to dine in. It was nearly 10:00 by the time we left the dining room, and my daughter had a new burst of energy and begged to go to the Oceaneer's Lab to play for a bit. I conceded, and dropped her off there before heading to the internet cafe to sign up for the unlimited high-speed access plan ($39 for unlimited use on 3- and 4- night cruises, $89 for 7-night cruises). The ship now has wireless access in several locations as well, and I'd have loved to be using my laptop on deck instead of sitting at the sometimes crowded computer area; however, the wireless access is considerably more expensive and since I had to work while on board I went with the more economical choice. I have to say, though, that except for one time when access seemed to just crawl at a snail's pace, the internet speed was reasonably close to high-speed on land. We arrived in Nassau early and the ship emptied fairly quickly with everyone headed off for shore excursions and touring the town. (You can walk right off the ship into town.) My daughter only wanted to go back to the Oceaneer Lab - which is open even in port - and I had emails to tend to, so after a quick breakfast at the Beach Blanket Buffet that's how we spent the morning. At lunch time I picked up my daughter and we headed to Triton's for lunch. We were seated at a table for two and had a very pleasant meal - after which my daughter begged to head back to Lab. Those commercials you see with the kids 'dumping' their parents for the duration of the cruise are pretty accurate, much to the astonishment of most adults. Disney really does an amazing job with their children's programming, and the kids really DON'T want to have anything to do with you. Still, given that it's supposed to be a 'family' vacation, I always feel obligated to ruin my daughter's day by forcing her to spend time with me. This day, though, she really had no desire to head into Nassau, so I went off the ship alone. (Yes, the beepers work even off the ship.) Town is right there, so little walking is required. I spent about 45 minutes wandering through stores before deciding that it was way too hot and humid and heading back to the ship. I collected my daughter and we went swimming at the 'Mickey' pool. Warning: the deck gets really hot on bare feet. Be sure to take flip-flops with you! I learned my lesson from the day before and insisted on naps for us both after that. That worked out really well, since it gave us both enough energy to get through a longer-than-usual evening. The show was again at 6:15, this time the Golden Mickeys. The show's musical numbers highlight many popular Disney movies and characters and was, once again, very well done. The children's group was off doing something my daughter wasn't interested in after the show, so we went to a lounge to have pre-dinner cocktails (a Shirley Temple for my daughter), and then proceeded to Parrot Cay for dinner. Once again, great food, great staff, slow service - but better then the previous night. Once |
