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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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Creativity and Innovation Take the Helm Aboard Disney Dream New Disney Cruise Ship Setting Sail in 2011 A first-of-its kind water coaster that sends guests racing above the upper decks of the ship. An animated turtle that engages children in conversation about life in the ocean. A sophisticated lounge where the sun sets over the skyline of a different world-famous city each night. When the Disney Dream debuts in early 2011, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will bring to life these innovations and more. The Disney Dream will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998. Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry with purpose-built ships designed just for families. With the Disney Dream setting sail on Jan. 26, 2011, preparations are underway to expand the one-of-a-kind family experience, utilizing technology to enhance the world-class entertainment and legendary guest services onboard. From stem to stern, the Disney Dream will offer a cruise experience that caters to the preferences of the whole family. "For more than a decade, passengers have filled their passports with memories sailing around the world with Disney Cruise Line," said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. "With the Disney Dream joining our fleet, we’ll be able to take families to even more places they never imagined they could visit - in true Disney style." The Disney Dream features a remarkable interior design which provides guests with a warm and welcoming feel throughout. The ship’s design offers guests a perfect blend of elegant Art Deco style and fun-filled Disney whimsy to create one of the most spectacular ships afloat. Distinctly Disney guest features aboard the Disney Dream include: AquaDuck Water Coaster. . . Disney Cruise Line debuts a cruise-industry first: a shipboard water coaster … AquaDuck! Guests aboard the Disney Dream will get swept away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids - all while traversing the upper decks of the ship. * AquaDuck stretches 765 feet in length - more than two and a half times the length of a football field - and spans four decks in height. * Guests slide 13 feet over the side of the ship in a translucent "swing out" loop allowing them to look down on the ocean 150 feet below. * Guests experience coaster-like thrills as high-powered water jets push them upwards and forwards at 20 feet per second. * AquaDuck continues through the forward funnel, encounters a 335 foot stretch of river rapids and splashes down to an end on Deck 12. A Virtual Porthole for Inside Staterooms. . . Disney Cruise Line introduces another stateroom innovation with all inside staterooms on the Disney Dream featuring a Virtual Porthole that provides guests with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole. As guests observe the impressive outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters such as Peach the starfish from the Disney/Pixar hit film "Finding Nemo," or Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole. A Magical Oasis for Children. . . Only on a Disney Cruise Line ship can children become immersed in their favorite Disney stories with the help of caring counselors, beloved Disney characters and a sprinkling of pixie dust. The celebration of children’s creativity rises to a new level on the Disney Dream with nearly an entire deck of youth spaces designed to inspire, entertain and unlock the imagination of children. There are two main spaces for children ages three to 10: At Disney’s Oceaneer Club, children can: * Play among larger-than-life characters from Disney/Pixar’s "Toy Story" in Andy’s Room * Explore the Laugh Floor with lovable monsters Mike and Sully from "Monsters, Inc." * Dive under the sea with Nemo and friends or visit Tinker Bell’s fairy forest At Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, children feel as though they are embarking on a great seafaring adventure in a room filled with maps, maritime instruments and swashbuckling artifacts. Here, children can try their hand at animation, become a pop star or navigate ships through digital seas. Both venues offer magical interactions with the animated characters such as Crush, the sea turtle from the Disney/Pixar motion picture "Finding Nemo" and Stitch, the mischievous alien from "Lilo and Stitch." The characters chat, play and joke with children in live, unrehearsed conversations from their digital undersea and intergalactic environments via 103-inch plasma screens. Chill-Out Zones for Tweens and Teens. . . Located inside the forward funnel is Edge - the lounge just for tweens (ages 11 to 13). This tween pad is filled with a multitude of hi-tech entertainment including the ability to create and star in photo postcards and video karaoke using green-screen technology. Teens have their own exclusive club aboard the Disney Dream with Vibe - a trendy and inviting indoor/outdoor space created especially for guests ages 14 to 17. A "teen-only" swipe card provides access to the nearly 9,000-square-foot club. Teens can create and edit videos, play computer games, access the onboard social media application or try their hand at spinning and mixing dance tracks. Teens have their own private outdoor deck area with chaise lounges for sunbathing, two wading pools, misters and pop jets for cooling off, and deck games such as ping-pong and foosball. Personal Touches with Rotational Dining. . . Disney Cruise Line continues its innovative rotational dining concept onboard the Disney Dream with elaborately themed restaurants, distinctly Disney touches, and world-class cuisine to create a magical dining experience. Throughout the cruise, guests "rotate" through three different restaurants for dinner - with their servers accompanying them, providing guests with friendly, familiar, personalized service each night. The rotational dining restaurants include: * Animator’s Palate, a signature Disney Cruise Line restaurant that brings the magic of Disney animation into the dining room for a unique experience that will captivate the entire family. * Royal Palace, an elegant restaurant inspired by the classic Disney films "Cinderella," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Sleeping Beauty." * Enchanted Garden, a whimsical, casual restaurant inspired by the gardens of Versailles and featuring a dining environment that magically transforms from day to night. Just for Adults. . . On the Disney Dream, while children are having the time of their lives in the elaborately themed youth areas, adults can look forward to incomparable indulgences and relaxation with exclusive areas and offerings designed exclusively for them. * Adults can escape into The District, a nighttime entertainment area on the Disney Dream with five unique venues. This playground for grownups features sophisticated lounges, each with its own unique design, look, feel, and palate-pleasing delights. * Senses Spa & Salon offers adult tranquility with 17 private treatment rooms, lavish spa villas with indoor treatment rooms and private outdoor verandahs, and Rainforest, a special section of the spa offering the benefits of steam, heat and hydrotherapy to relax the mind and body. * At Palo, adult guests find epicurean excellence and an unforgettable dinner experience at sea. Every seat offers beautiful ocean vistas while a pianist softly serenades guests in an intimate restaurant setting. The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, and will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay. Guests can book their Disney Dream cruise beginning Nov. 9, 2009. (Source: Press Release, 10/29/09)
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'legs'
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Explore the Disney Dream
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ship
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cruise ship will arrive at Port Everglades next month
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Wonder Bound for Alaska in 2011
Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska in 2011
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Island happy Disney unveils Castaway Cay additions
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video
Disney Dream Cruise Ship Begins to Take Shape PAPENBURG, GERMANY (August 26, 2009) - Today, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Dream, the first of two newly-designed ships destined to expand family cruise options to more people in more places around the world. "Since our inception, families have come to know and love Disney Cruise Line, and they are looking for additional ways to enjoy all that we have to offer," Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz said during the ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. "Our fleet expansion will allow us to satisfy demand on both the East and West coasts of the United States while also giving us the flexibility to explore additional global destinations for our Guests." The keel laying ceremony is the first time the Disney Dream will begin to take shape after many years of design work. In the maritime industry, the ceremony marks a momentous occasion when the first block - or section - of the ship is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune. Doing the honors of placing the coin was Captain Tom Forberg. With a distinguished maritime career aboard Disney Cruise Line, Forberg was the first crew member hired and the captain who launched the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Recently, Forberg was named as the future Master of the Disney Dream. The ship will continue to take its form through a block construction process in which pre-fabricated complete hull sections are joined together in block units and are then brought together to form the ship. The Disney Dream will be made up of 80 blocks, with the first block weighing in at approximately 380 tons. Designing the Disney Dream The Disney Dream is scheduled to join the current fleet in 2011, followed by Disney’s second new ship, the Disney Fantasy in 2012. Together the two new ocean liners will more than double the capacity of Disney Cruise Line, each having 1,250 staterooms and a tonnage of 128,000. Bringing together innovation in superb shipbuilding and creativity in imaginative storytelling, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering, along with the Meyer Werft shipyard have created a truly distinctive design. Like the existing ships, these ocean liners were designed to deliver a unique vacation that every member of the family believes was created just for them. Design details will be revealed later this fall. Synonymous with its name, the Disney Dream will evoke the unique heritage of the company’s ideals in creating enchanting places and stories where families’ vacation dreams come true. Homeports Both new ocean liners will call Port Canaveral, Fla., their home, where expansion efforts are underway to accommodate the larger ships and additional guests. In addition to an extension of the dock and enlargements to the one-of-a-kind Disney terminal building, a new multi-level parking structure will be built, complementing the design and storytelling elements of the ships. The new enhancements will provide guests an even more seamless transition from land to sea during their vacation experience. Disney Cruise Line also recently announced that the Disney Wonder will operate from the Port of Los Angeles starting in 2011. Future Itineraries In addition to the new ships, Disney Cruise Line continues to expand itineraries, with plans to once again sail the Mediterranean region aboard the Disney Magic during the summer of 2010. In addition to the popular ports in Spain, Italy and France, the ship will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta and Corsica. Disney Magic will also visit the historic cities of Northern Europe for the first time calling on Warnemunde, Germany, the gateway to Berlin and St. Petersburg, Russia. Enchanting Scandinavian ports like Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm, will also be a first for Disney. Holz noted that the company will begin to announce some itineraries for 2011 in September during the D23 EXPO, the ultimate fan experience where the entire world of Disney will come together under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line established the family cruise
market when it launched its business in 1998. Recently the line was named
the best large cruise ship for families by Travel + Leisure magazine in its
annual readers’ poll. (Source: Press Release, 08/26/09)
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Important Information Regarding Fraud Alert from Crystal Cruises "It has come to the attention of Crystal Cruises that fraudulent checks are being issued to various individuals throughout the United States either randomly via mail or through other means including popular Internet websites featuring job postings, Mystery Shopper programs, Sweepstakes/Draw Winner and payment for items being sold. We do NOT believe that any of our customer personal information was used to generate these checks..." For the rest of the letter, see: http://www.crystalcruises.com/img/email/agent/ann20090803.html
Beth, our travel agent, writes about the great deals to be had now in cruising: "OK, I know I’ve been harping on the value of cruising lately and I apologize… except that I wouldn’t be a very good travel agent if I didn’t go out of my way to make sure clients know that this is a great year for discovering this all-inclusive vacation option. Of course, if you’re already a cruise fan you know what I mean, but statistics show that the majority of you have yet to set foot on a cruise ship. NOW is the time to fix that problem because pricing has never been more amazing. Case in point… One great line is based in Italy. They don’t do much advertising here because they generally have no more than one ship cruising from a US port, but this is a line worth paying attention to. They christened a new ship just last year, and it's making her debut in the Caribbean this Fall with two 5-night cruises from Ft. Lauderdale that start at just $399 p/p – and kids 17 and under SAIL FREE! And get this… the 7-night Christmas cruise which departs Ft. Lauderdale December 20 starts at just $699 and, again, KIDS SAIL FREE! Seriously - for Christmas! That’s just unheard of on a holiday cruise. If you’re still hesitating because you’re worried about being bored, getting seasick, feeling too regimented, etc. then email me. What you’re imagining is the way cruising used to be; it’s changed. There’s something for every age group, and you can do as much or as little as you care to. Cruising really is the perfect vacation when you need a break from Disney. Please don’t let the opportunity of discovering cruising at such great prices slip away. I’d be happy to get you no obligation quotes, talk to you about doing groups or family reunions, or put space on a courtesy hold for you. Deposits are fully refundable until the final payment date (usually 60 days prior to sailing). So dig out your sense of adventure and try something new… TAKE A CRUISE!" Affordable Disney members should log in for the cruise line's website URL and Beth's contact info.
Disney Channel Stars Ahoy! Kodak and Disney Cruise Line Bring Exclusive Fan Experience to the High Seas In a Disney exclusive, numerous Disney Channel stars will set sail this summer, joining thousands of Disney Cruise Line guests aboard the Disney Wonder for eight special sailings during the first-ever "Disney Channel Summer at Sea," presented by Kodak. "We’re thrilled to partner with Disney Channel and offer guests on our ship a unique opportunity to sail with Disney Channel stars," said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. "A cruise vacation with Disney Cruise Line is always a family-favorite and ‘Disney Channel Summer at Sea’ provides families another reason to set sail and experience the Disney difference." Popular stars from Disney Channel shows like "Hannah Montana," "Sonny With A Chance," "Wizards of Waverly Place," "The Suite Life on Deck," "JONAS," "Camp Rock," "High School Musical" and "Hatching Pete" will sail with guests on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises taking place July 9 through August 2. During these themed sailings, Disney Channel stars will help pump up the volume during onboard deck parties and will join guests for Q & A and autograph sessions along with preview screenings of Disney Channel programming. The onboard fun culminates with a "Party with the Stars" event, an evening where guests can join the stars for a special live musical performance. As an added treat, Radio Disney will broadcast live from the ship during two of the cruises. Aligning with Kodak's "It's Time to Smile" campaign, all Disney fans will be able to share in the ship-to-shore fun online. Select video-blog reporters onboard the ship will capture their magical vacation memories on a ‘KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera’ and post video from their voyages at disney.com/summeratsea. "At Kodak, we’re all about relationships. We bring people together through images and are thrilled to work with the Disney Channel to help Disney fans share their magical vacation memories," said Kodak Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President Jeffrey Hayzlett. Each cruise during "Disney Channel Summer at Sea" will include multiple Disney Channel stars. Among those scheduled to sail include Tiffany Thornton from "Sonny With A Chance" (July 9 & 12), Nicole Anderson "JONAS" (July 9 & 12), Jason Earles from "Hannah Montana" (July 16 & 19), Mitchel Musso from "Hannah Montana" (July 19), Jason Dolley from "Hatching Pete" (July 23 & 26), Debby Ryan from "The Suite Life on Deck" (July 30) and Alyson Stoner from "Camp Rock" (Aug. 2). More stars will be announced shortly, guests can visit disneycruise.com/summeratsea frequently for up-to-date information on the line-up of stars sailing. (Talent is subject to change without notice.) "Disney Channel Summer at Sea" adds to the family-friendly fun found onboard a Disney ship. Disney Cruise Line provides a vacation experience that every member of the family feels was created just for them. Families enjoy award-winning Broadway-style entertainment at the Walt Disney Theatre, play together at high-energy deck parties featuring the only fireworks display at sea and dine in three uniquely themed restaurants. Kids delight in their own dedicated spaces and become immersed in Disney stories with their favorite characters and hosted by specially trained youth counselors. While the kids are at play, parents can slip away and relax at the spa, soak up rays at the adult-only pool, dance the night away in the clubs, or enjoy an exquisite Northern Italian meal at Palo. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean with special voyages to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on tap for 2010. Disney Channel Summer at Sea voyages are exclusive to three- and four-night itineraries on the Disney Wonder between July 9 and Aug. 2 with rates starting at $679 per person -- based on double occupancy for a category 12 inside stateroom, not including government taxes and fees. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available. 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. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com. About the Disney Channel Summer at Sea Sweepstakes Beginning Monday, May 11 guests can visit Disney.com/SummeratSea, to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of eight (8) Grand Prize Disney Cruise Vacation packages during the "Disney Channel Summer at Sea" program. Sweepstakes winners also receive an additional special meeting aboard ship with Disney Channel stars, and Kodak prize packages including a Kodak Zi6 video camera. Ten (10) second place winners will receive the ‘KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera’ and Easy Share W1020 Digital Frame kit. (Source: Press Release, 05/11/09)
Beth, our travel agent, writes: CELEBRITY'S SOLSTICE "The weekend of March 21 I had the opportunity to tour Celebrity's newest ship, Solstice. Now, understand that I'm a real fan of Princess Cruises, so I look at the competition with a very critical eye. We boarded in Ft. Lauderdale, right next to where the port is constructing new areas for Royal Caribbean's mammoth Oasis of the Seas (due out in December). It's dusty and noisy outside - and pure warehouse inside. I can't be too hard on them about the unappealing check-in area, though, because it looks just like what Princess has there. I will say that the lines to check in were pretty much non-existent. The boarding ramp was at such a steep incline that someone in a wheelchair or using a walker - or with any mobility challenges at all - would have a hard time. Once onboard, though, the atmosphere was much different. The ship, which arrived here in November of last year, has some very interesting public spaces. My ship decor taste leans toward dark woods, crystal, brass, and rich jewel tones. There are a few areas that use that theme, but then they also have funky sculptures and/or very contemporary lighting. Most public areas lean towards what I call South Beach chic: cool tones of icy aqua and mint green, LOTS of white, heavy on the chrome and glass, and yards and yards of sheer and/or gauzy window treatment. It's not that it's not attractive; it's just not my cup of tea. Think 'elegant spa resort at sea' - which is fitting. Read on. Speaking of tea, the pastries on display at a few of the alternative dining locations looked heavenly. (Celebrity has a reputation for having the best pastries at sea.) There are a number of alternative dining locations (additional fees from $5 up apply for most) if you're not in the mood for the formal dining room each night, and the buffet area we all know and love is there as well. The lunch we were served was quite good, and the service was great. I suspect the main dining room is probably very noisy during meal times, but the decor is unique and - again - tres chic. I'd love to try the alternative restaurant Silk Harvest that offers Chinese/Japanese/Thai fusion cuisine, as well as Bistro on Five which serves, among other things, crepes that smell amazing. The ship is best known for being the first to have real grass. I know what you're thinking... and I think the same thing. Why???? No one can give me a good answer. I can tell you, though, that there's a good bit of deck space dedicated to this green area, and they're now on their third type of grass. (The first two couldn't handle the intense sun and the saltiness of the sea.) If you want, you can kick off your shoes and enjoy another first at sea: glass blowers. Yes, really. Again, I'm not sure why, but there's a small theatre of sorts set up so that folks from the Corning Museum of Glass can entertain you with their glass blowing talents. The cabins of this class of ship were designed based largely on the input of a panel of five women: a frequent cruiser, a travel writer, a travel agent, someone who'd never cruised, and a hotelier. Their ideas resulted in a larger bathroom, fog-free mirrors, space under the beds for storage, and more. The cabins are supposed to be larger than most at sea, but those I toured with all agreed that they actually feel smaller. That is, perhaps, due to the layout that some cabins have: the sitting area and then the bed (closest to the outer wall/balcony) as opposed to the other way around which somehow appears larger. The deck plans aren't that specific, so unless you know someone that knows the ship and its cabins really well, it's luck of the draw. Another first (for Celebrity, at least) is a special class known as Aqua Class. These passengers have rooms that look like all the others, but with some extra perks (upgraded shower heads, daily bottled water, a special room service menu, and so forth). They also have access to an area of the spa known as the Relaxation Room which is really just very comfy lounges in a nice, quiet room with a lovely view. Aqua Class guests also have a spa concierge (although spa treatments cost extra) and are assigned to the super-exclusive restaurant called Blu instead of the main dining room. Aqua Class guests may choose to dine elsewhere from time to time, space permitting, and if they do then their unoccupied seats at Blu are offered to those in suites. If you're not Aqua Class or in a suite you have zero chance of getting into Blu. It's an attractive, intimate dining room and I'm sure the food and service are excellent, but my fellow agents and I decided that you'd have to be a real spa fan to think it's worth the extra bucks for Aqua Class. For Celebrity's sake, I hope the idea goes over well because two more identical ships are on the way! Other notes: The children's areas are not nearly as nice as what's available on the newer Princess ships (or even Carnival and Royal Caribbean, for that matter). They do have them, though, and children who don't have anything to compare to would probably be happy. The teen area seems well done and should please most. This is really more of a 'grown up' ship, though. The main theatre is nicely done. The seats are comfy and there are very few 'bad spots' in the room. One of the shows includes some aerial work, and the facility seems well suited to that sort of thing. We all loved the big hammocks in the main pool area. There just aren't nearly enough of them! There are some cushy-looking double lounges (already very spotted and in need of cleaning or replacement) that look great, but I suspect that people are up there at the crack of dawn staking out those lounge chairs for the day. I hate that! All in all, this is a very nice ship and I'd be willing to give it a go - for the right price, of course. This ship heads to Europe on April 19, but will be back next Fall." Members should log in and contact Beth for booking cruises on Celebrity's Solstice.
Disney Cruise Line to Homeport Disney Wonder at the Port of Los Angeles Disney Cruise Line announced today that it plans to reposition the Disney Wonder from its Florida base in Port Canaveral to the West Coast in 2011. The company is working with the Port of Los Angeles to finalize a two-year agreement with a three-year extension option. The contract will be considered by the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners on April 2, 2009. If approved, the new Disney Wonder sailings could generate more than 250,000 guests passing through the Port of Los Angeles over a five-year period. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he is pleased to welcome the renowned family cruise line back to the Port of Los Angeles at San Pedro. "Having Disney Cruise Line operating out of the Port of Los Angeles will provide a great boost to the local economy by generating business and tourism revenue in San Pedro and throughout the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "The return of Disney Cruise Line to our port speaks volumes about our ability to attract world-class cruise lines to the area." The addition of a new homeport for Disney Cruise Line is part of the overall expansion plan for The Walt Disney Company. Two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, will arrive in Florida’s Port Canaveral in 2011 and 2012, respectively. "We are looking forward to returning to the Port of Los Angeles and offering our special brand of family cruises on the West Coast,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. “Having a Disney Cruise Line ship based in this region is something families on the West Coast have wanted for a long time, and we’re pleased to bring the Disney Wonder to Southern California in 2011." Disney Cruise Line has successfully tested the West Coast market with two summer seasons of Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. The Disney Magic cruise ship first called on the West Coast during the summer of 2005 as part of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary and returned again during the summer of 2008. Disney Cruise Line has not yet announced the details of its itineraries for 2011. "The return of Disney Cruise Line to the Port of Los Angeles is just one more reason visitors will come to Los Angeles to help our city thrive," added Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.d. "The LA area is already home to Disneyland - it’s a natural fit." The Port of Los Angeles continues to be one of the busiest cruise ports on the West Coast. Known for its proximity to area attractions, including Disneyland Resort, and ease of convenience for transportation and nearby airports, the Port of Los Angeles provides cruisers with a great experience. Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs. Specifically designed areas and activities for each member of the family allows for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. The focus is to allow families to reconnect, adults to recharge their batteries and kids to immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. Known for establishing family travel in the cruise market Disney Cruise Line continues to be a leader in the industry. The Disney Wonder was recently named the top large cruise ship experience by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the 9th annual "Reader’s Cruise Poll." The Disney Magic, which was also ranked in the top five cruise experiences in the poll, will embark on a season of limited itineraries exploring Northern Europe and the Mediterranean in 2010. Additionally, the line continues to move forward on the construction of its two new ocean liners at the Meyer Werft yard in Germany. (Source: Press Release, 03/30/09) Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Rumor has it that the Wonder will do 3- and 4-night cruises from LA in order to pair up with 3- and 4-night Disneyland stays, making 7-night land/sea vacations just as it's been doing in Florida for so long. The Magic will remain local and change to short cruises when the new ship arrives to do 7-nighters. Then in 2012 when the second new ship arrives, the plan is to send the Magic to the West Coast as well so that they can also offer 7-night cruises. Of course, all this is subject to change over the next two years. They have also talked about doing Hawaiian and Alaskan itineraries from LA. Guess we'll have to wait and see!"
Disney Announces Names for New Cruise Ships: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy CELEBRATION, Fla. (March 10, 2009) – Today at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, Disney announced the names of the company’s two new cruise ships. "Last week, steel cutting began on our next two Disney cruise ships. Today I’m pleased to announce their names," said Robert A. Iger, Disney president and CEO. "The Disney Dream will set sail in 2011, while the Disney Fantasy will hit the high seas in 2012." Similar to the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the names were chosen to celebrate Disney’s unique heritage of creating enchanting places and stories where dreams really do come true. "The names are very telling of our brand and are part of our history," said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. "Disney is known for making dreams come true, and for creating worlds of fantasy that go beyond the imagination. The names are a natural choice for our ships." As noted, Disney Cruise Line began construction on the new ships with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The first piece of steel cut was part of the art deco inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on the existing Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the intricate pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, with added touches of Disney whimsy. Since finalizing a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to build the two new ships, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering have created a truly distinctive design. Over the next few years, construction will continue, bringing the design to reality, with the Disney Dream scheduled for delivery in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in 2012. The new ships will be purpose built with families in mind, and specially designed areas and activities for each member of the family to allow for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. The focus is to provide a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds only Disney can create. The expansion will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms and will each be 128,000 tons. (Source: Press Release, 03/10/09)
Cruising with Little Ones is Child’s Play Onboard Disney Cruise Line Traveling with infants and toddlers on Disney Cruise Line will soon be easier than ever thanks to a cruise industry-first service that delivers baby supplies directly to guest staterooms and a host of child-friendly offerings onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Beginning March 15, families preparing to sail on Disney Cruise Line with little ones will have access to an online service that allows them to order baby supplies in advance of their cruise and have them delivered to their stateroom. The new service is exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests and provided by Babies Travel Lite, an online retailer offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items. By visiting disneycruise.com, guests will be able to access a special section of the Babies Travel Lite Web site where they can create orders for familiar brands in quantities customized to the duration of their cruise. “Disney Cruise Line prides itself on delivering a vacation experience that caters to every member of the family including our youngest cruisers,” said Tom Wolber, senior vice president of operations for Disney Cruise Line. “The new delivery service eliminates the challenges of packing for infant travel, while onboard conveniences simplify family travel for parents looking to relax during their cruise vacation.” The new delivery service is just one of the many products and services available to families traveling with children under 3. Guests also have access to a host of onboard services to facilitate traveling with toddlers in tow:
* Diaper Genie units, cribs and playpens are available complimentary upon
request from the stateroom host/hostess for use during the cruise. These amenities are the perfect complement to Disney’s infant-care center at sea, Flounder’s Reef Nursery. The nursery features an “under the sea” soft play area themed to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” where children 12 weeks to 36 months can enjoy themselves under the watchful eyes of trained Disney caregivers. Even Mickey Mouse or another Disney pal might swing by for a surprise visit involving fun and games. Also for infants and toddlers is Mickey’s Splash Zone, a water playground inspired by The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Disney’s “Fantasia.” This extension to the Mickey Pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones, creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Guests sailing on seven-night cruises can enjoy some ‘together’ time with their little ones during Family Time Sessions at Flounder’s Reef Nursery. Families have the opportunity to explore the nursery and meet the team of counselors who supervise the children. Also on seven-night cruises, guests can enjoy Toddler Time at the Oceaneer Club and at Mickey’s Splash Zone. Families can join their little ones and explore the world together as they participate in musical games and fine motor skills exercises led by Disney’s youth activities counselors. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs. Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., 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 Walt Disney World Resort are also available. (Source: Press Release, 01/29/09)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about her recent cruise aboard the Ruby Princess: "If you've been reading this newsletter for a while then you know I'm a big-time cruise addict. I would be perfectly content living on a ship permanently. (Actually, I did live and work on one for five years after college.) It's also no secret that sometimes travel agents are offered great deals in order to get them to come take a look and, hopefully, follow the trip by telling all their clients how great it was. Well, when Princess Cruise Line sent me an invitation about six weeks ago to spend two nights onboard the brand new Ruby Princess for FREE I jumped at the chance. Just as Princess knows how to take care of their passengers, they know how to take care of their travel agents. My guest and I were given a gorgeous balcony cabin, treated to an open bar for both days, and even had the cost of our gratuities and parking taken care of. You can visit Princess.com to see a video of the christening ceremony that took place that evening. It was hosted by a variety of celebrities and dignitaries including Gavin MacLeod (Capt. Stubing of Love Boat fame) and the ship's godparents, Trista and Ryan Sutter (from The Bachelorette) who had the honor of pushing the button that sent the traditional bottle of champagne crashing onto the ship's hull. In this case, it actually crashed into a wall, but it was still impressive. The entire area was doused in red lighting and filled with red roses. We'd all been asked to wear red formal attire so the overall effect was stunning. Following the ceremony we spent the evening dining, exploring the ship, watching movies on deck (Movies Under the Stars originated with the Princess line), and attending shows. Nearly everyone was dressed to the nines so it was very reminiscent of the cruising days of old. (These days, most people don't go all out even on the designated formal night, but I think they felt obligated in this instance.) The ship departed Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades very late, but we spent all of day number two at sea, giving us a chance to check out the casino and shops and, of course, eat more. The evening's entertainment started with an ABBA tribute band (really good if you like ABBA) and then a late night rock concert starring the ship's musicians which was outstanding. The entertainment on this short cruise exceeded any I've seen on board before. The food was, as always with Princess, excellent. We did both lunch and breakfast at the buffet and enjoyed both. We had our other lunch and the first dinner in the dining room... again, excellent food and really great service (especially considering we were their first passengers). Princess continues to have the best pizza at sea. Dinner two was late night at the bistro (back area of the buffet) and they did a nice job with offering variety. The specialty restaurants were closed for our short trip, but they're always worth the extra charge. We didn't try any of the poolside burgers this time or the ice cream, but I admit to being a little disappointed in the gelato from the piazza. We also tried afternoon tea in the dining room and found that, while it was fine, we missed the phenomenal scones we've had on Princess ships before. By the way, I'm in search of a great scone recipe so please write me if you have one. :) The most notable thing was the ship herself. It was the first time we'd been on one that new... not a dent or a scratch anywhere! Every piece of flatware was like a mirror, every sheet and towel pristine, and the teak decks and furniture have yet to be faded by the sun. It's sort of like riding in a brand new car - but a LOT bigger. Princess ships built in the last ten years have all followed the same basic layout and the public areas all have the same names, so if you like one of their ships you'll not only like the others, but also quickly find your way around. The newer ones do have differences, though - most notably, the adults-only solarium which is sort of like an extension of the spa, and the piazza at the base of the atrium which features specialty coffees and combination deli/bistro/bakery fare throughout the day. (Older ships are being retrofitted with these elements.) The children and teen areas are also great on Princess ships... Plenty for kids of all ages to do both with and without their parents. Princess is currently offering a great deal on cruise upgrades for next year, and (as you might guess) there are some wonderful prices to be found right now. Deposits are usually minimal and are fully refundable until your final payment date so it's worth taking advantage of the bargains. You can always cancel later if you change your mind. Please drop me a note if you have any cruising questions." (Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact info.)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about 2010 Disney cruises: 1. 2010 itineraries will become available for booking on Tuesday, October 14. This is for cruise-only reservations; land/sea and group space will be out later. 2. New for 2010: northern Europe These are 12-night cruises out of Dover, England on the Disney Magic in June and July. Ports include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Warnemunde (for Berlin, Germany), and St. Petersburg (with optional excursion to Moscow). Pricing for an inside category 11 cabin start at $3649 p/p (based on double occupancy). Rates for a category 11 inside cabin are from $2529 (based on double occupancy). 3. Also for summer 2010: Mediterranean The Magic will also be doing 10- and 11-night Med cruises from Barcelona similar to the ones a few years ago, but with three new ports: Tunis, Malta and Corsica (in addition to ports in Italy, France and Spain). These will be in April, May, August, and September. 4. There are 4 repositioning cruises as well. These include two 14-night trans-Atlantic trips and two 8-night cruises between Dover and Barcelona. I haven't seen pricing on those yet. 5. The Disney Wonder will also be making some changes for summer 2010. She will be doing 5- night cruises that include Nassau, Key West and Castaway Cay (or 2 stops in Castaway Cay instead of Key West). Pricing on the 5-nighters starts at $899 p/p. There will also be 4-nighters that start at $849 p/p... again, both based on category 11 inside cabins and double occupancy. *** Anytime new itineraries are released the first day of booking is insane. The pricing goes up by the minute. Those interested should provide booking info (legal names, dates of birth, address, phone #, Castaway numbers) if interested along with the itinerary and approximate date/cabin category desired. We'll do our best to book right when the trips are released for the very best pricing. We MAY also be able to offer an additional incentive of onboard credits. No idea what happened to the rumor of New York itineraries for summer '10... Perhaps they just tossed those out to mislead us! The new itineraries are loaded onto the agent website now and should be up soon for the consumer site. Please let me know if you have any questions."
Beth's services are only available to those with paid Affordable Disney
Memberships. Members should log in at our private password-protected site
for Beth's contact info.
Beth, our travel agent, writes: Don't' forget that October is NATIONAL CRUISE VACATION MONTH, the highlight of which is The World's Largest Cruise Night on October 16. Last year, nearly 35,000 cruise bookings nationwide were made as part of the event! The event is sponsored by Cruise Lines International Organization (CLIA) and nearly every major cruise line is a member. They'll all be offering specials like reduced rates, lower deposit requirements, onboard credits, free air, and so on. This is a great time to be planning your 2009 cruise vacation. Next year there are a LOT of new ships hitting the market, so if you've never cruised before it's the perfect time to start. Cruising remains one of the very best vacation values available. As soon as we get the details on what the lines will be offering I'll pass it on, but in the meantime feel free to let me know if you have questions about cruising. I'll be running the 'virtual' version of this event, so make a note on your calendar and plan to spend some time online that evening when you get home from work. (Actually, the event runs all day long, so I can get your information in advance if it's more convenient for you.)
Beth, our travel agent, filed this cruise report: "Those of you that have booked cruises with me know that I'm a cruise-aholic. Give me a good deal and I'm there. That's exactly what Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) did so I took them up on the offer and spent this past weekend on the Norwegian Sky. Given that combining your Florida land vacation with a cruise vacation is becoming a very "in" thing to do, I thought readers maybe interested in a quick overview. First, a bit of history. This ship was originally being built for Costa. For reasons I no longer recall, NCL agreed to purchase the ship if a few changes were made - one of them being to add a lot more balcony cabins. As a result, the balconies are small and the doors to them are a little odd. If you happen to be in a cabin that sleeps three and are using the sofa bed as your third berth, you can't even get to the balcony unless you crawl across the bed. In other words, the cabins are small. Otherwise, though, the ship (newly refurbished) is in great shape and most of the public areas are lovely. The crew is friendly, but not terribly well trained and they lack that "whatever it takes to make you happy" attitude that pours forth from crew members on other lines. Casual is the name of the game here, but we were amazed how many crew members' official uniforms were t-shirts! We were also amazed at how many people wore t-shirts and flip-flops and baseball caps to dinner, even in the nicest of restaurants. You can leave your sequins and tuxedos at home 'cause you sure won't need 'em here! Dining was a bit of a disappointment. Most cruisers live for the buffets, and we also enjoy them occasionally. We had a balcony cabin so we were permitted to dine at a buffet in one of the dining rooms for breakfast. Good thing because the main breakfast buffets were boring with a capital B. So was the dining room version, but at least there was more variety from the menu. This is the first ship I've been on where pizza was somewhat hard to come by, being offered only for a few hours a day. The lines for burgers and dogs blocked a big section of the main buffet area, so the already small, cramped spaces were made even more so by that logistical blunder. The salad bar section was nearly nonexistent, and although there were two sides to both the inside and outside buffets, most items were repeated on both sides (and both buffets) so there were few unique items to choose from. My daughter, who will eat nearly anything, actually had a hard time finding things she was willing to try. Finally, no ice carvings, no fruit carvings, no spectacular displays of food... Just small line-ups of average buffet food. No where near what you see with any other major line. For dinner there are three specialty restaurants you have to pay extra for ($10-$25 per person) and they are worth every dime, although the regular dining rooms are OK, too. We just found the service in the regular dining rooms to be slow, and at peak times both main dining rooms have long waits. (NCL uses "freestyle dining" so you can eat whenever you want to, but if that's when everyone else wants to eat you'll wait a long time. Princess executes this concept MUCH better.) So for reliably better food and better service, pay the extra for the specialty places. The entertainment was decent. Not stellar, but a good way to spend 45-60 minutes of your evening. The brand new casino is very small and smoking is permitted so it gets hard to breath pretty fast. The pools and hot tubs are adequate and there are plenty of deck chairs. We didn't try the spa and the fitness center, but both look nice. The kids' center leaves a bit to be desired (mostly blocks, movies, and Wii - no computers, limited craft projects), but my daughter (age 10) liked it - and it was worth $5/hour to use the service while in port and after 10:30 PM. (Otherwise it's free.) When in port they offer the typical shore excursions at the typical high prices. NCL's private island (Great Stirrup Cay) is truly not up to snuff compared to others. It's fine if you have nothing to compare to, but we had to wait a VERY long time to tender ashore (even though it was late morning already) so we were a bit grumpy to start with. If I ever go there again I'll be staying on the ship. There is just one large gift and duty free shop, but two (small) jewelry stores. It was a short cruise and we weren't there to shop so that didn't bother us. The late night deck parties, billed as major events, were little more than dancing to live salsa music - which is fine, but again, not what you get from other cruise lines. The bottom line is that this ship runs 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami so it competes with both Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I'd say Royal Caribbean wins this market hands-down, even though they ships they have doing the short cruises are older. I'm not a Carnival fan, but I'd even suggest Carnival over NCL *unless* you could get a great deal... and there are plenty of those to be had. Florida residents were booking this cruise from about $200 per person total for an inside cabin, slightly more for an oceanview or balcony. Non-resident rates were just a little higher - and kids can sometimes sail for as little as $99 each plus taxes and fees. So if you understand what you're getting and you have an amazing rate, go for it! If you can do Royal Caribbean, or even Carnival, for just a little more, though, that's the way I'd go. *** Don't forget that The World's Largest Cruise Night is October 16. We'll have great "one day only" deals, reduced deposit requirements and more for that night, so if you're thinking about a 2008 or 2009 cruise let's start talking NOW so you're ready!"
Beth, our travel agent, writes about taking a cruise during hurricane season: "I just finished reading a story about passengers aboard a Carnival ship that are furious over the fact that their Eastern Caribbean cruise is now taking them to - of all places - Newport, RI, instead, thanks to the approach of tropical storm Hanna. As such, I feel I need to reiterate once again that when you choose to travel during hurricane season you have to accept the fact that a certain amount of "adventuresome spirit" may be required. Rarely does anyone read all that tiny print known as the "cruise contract" or "tour contract," but somewhere buried in all that legal stuff is a section that says that the cruise or tour operator has the right to change your itinerary and/or available activities if, in their opinion, they need to do so in order to protect you and/or their property - and they can do so for any reason, not just weather. That means that a ship's captain can choose to change the order of ports, skip ports, or even take you to somewhere else entirely. Less commonly, your cruise may be cut short or suddenly increase in length if the ship can't get safely back into port on schedule. In the case of Walt Disney World, they retain the right to close their parks and order you to your room. Whatever it takes to keep you safe. Chances are good that you got a really great price on your hurricane season vacation. There's a reason for that, and you knew it when you booked. Of course, you probably assumed at the time that you wouldn't have to deal with bad weather - and the majority of travelers luck out. You, however, may not be among the lucky. And no, you are not entitled to a refund if that happens. If you have a problem with that concept, look into "cancel for any reason" insurance coverage. Admittedly, such unexpected changes can have a dramatic effect on your vacation. Cruise and tour companies are aware of that and don't take the decision to change things lightly. You need to trust your captain - or Mickey, as the case may be. They aren't making the changes to intentionally ruin your trip. Do exactly what they tell you to do - and then make the best of it. Attitude is everything when it comes to salvaging your trip."
Disney announces new European cruise tours
"Hanna-caused detour prompts 'mutiny' on Carnival Miracle."
"Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska revealed last
week that Disney is one of half a dozen cruise companies that have submitted
proposals seeking contracts to sail in the park sometime between Jan. 1,
2010, and Sept. 30, 2019."
Disney is expecting fuel costs to exceed $20 million this year.
Consequently, they are looking for ways to cut costs, like changing the order
of stops, making its ships more fuel efficient, and traveling at slower
speeds.
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."
For a description of the family activities available on the Disney
cruise ships, see:
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."
"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 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.
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." |
"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."
For the "do's and don'ts on an Alaskan cruise" see: Cellular at Sea service allows guests aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder to use their cell phones and wireless PDA. Kermit the Frog and the Muppets are now entertaining guests on 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises.
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!"
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.
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 again my daughter begged to go back to the Lab afterwards, only this time her age group was off watching a movie that she didn't care to see. An older group was in the Lab making flubber, and although my daughter only wanted to sit at the computers and play, she wasn't permitted. (They said if she'd been a little closer in age to the group there they'd have considered it, though.) So we hit the shops instead. Not a bad way to spend a few minutes before heading to the deck party. As you might guess, even DCL is into promoting the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and we were all given pirate bandanas to wear on our heads (or necks or wherever) at dinner. One gift shop also sells a lot of pirate-related costumes and accessories. We trudged up to deck 10 thinking we'd just sit at the back and wait for the fireworks, but the whole back part of the ship is closed off and secured by a safety crew. Instead, we found a good spot just ahead of the rope lines where we could look down on the stage - and it was the perfect location to watch Mickey literally fly down from one of the smoke stacks. Pretty cool. Then the fireworks started. Yep, fireworks shot right off the top of the ship. Our evening, the fireworks were shot to the starboard (right) side, but that might change depending on wind direction... not sure. It's really surprising to me that they do it at all given that shipboard fire is one of the most dangerous and feared events at sea. I noticed, though, that when one round of fireworks seemed to misfire, going nearly straight out from the ship instead of upwards like all the others, a little army of safety people quickly ran to the side of the ship and examined all areas to be sure that there was nothing amiss. It was a crowded, but fun, way to end the evening. Now, many people wonder why on earth everyone is so crazy about Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. I mean, nearly every major cruise line has a private island. Some are better than others, and for those that don't live near water a day at the beach is a thing to look forward to, but Disney cruisers like Castaway Cay so much that Disney now has some itineraries that stop there TWICE on the same cruise! What makes it so special? Well, first of all, the ship ties up right there. No tenders needed to reach the island and that's a big plus. Second, Disney has paid as much attention to detail with the island as they do everything else. The landscaping is meant to look lush and natural, although there's nothing very natural about it... it's all perfectly trimmed, and every bush and tree is placed to achieve the desired effect. The gorgeous colors of bright tropical flowers are everywhere, and the breeze blows softly through palm trees. The facilities are extensive and well thought out. Excuse me for saying so, but it is, well, a very magical place. There are dedicated areas for both children and teens, and there are enough beach chairs in the family area to accommodate everyone who wants one. They rent bicycles and snorkel equipment and boats and flotation mats and about anything you could want. They even offer special shore excursions here. Everything from fishing to feeding rays. When it's time for lunch, there are numerous lines to speed up the BBQ buffet process - and it's all (of course) very yummy. Plenty of picnic tables (under cover) to accommodate all. Don't feel like taking the 7-8 minute walk from the ship? Not a problem. A tram runs back and forth. Towels are readily available, as are Disney characters in swim attire for photo ops. If you really want to splurge, though, you'll do it the way I did. I dropped my daughter off at the children's beach site at 10AM and took the tram over to the adults-only area known as Serenity Bay. The water is perfectly calm and crystal clear. You can plop down in a hammock for two, lie on a chaise under an umbrella, or do as I did and drag one of the numerous small chairs into about a foot of water to create the perfect way to read that book you've been trying to get through. There's a bar and a place to eat as well, but no need to go get those drinks... Every few minutes a server wanders past to see if you need anything. About 10:45 I dragged my chair back to the sand and grabbed my gear, heading just around the corner to the massage cabanas. There are outdoor body and foot showers there to rinse off the sand, and chairs where you can wait for your name to be called. At 11:00, several young women appeared with small pieces of paper, each calling out the names of who they were looking for. My designated massage artist led me to the first cabana, and after closing the door she had me hop up on the table and talk to me about the pressures of my daily life. (I had to complete a questionnaire and bring it with me, so she at least had a place to start.) Then she left the room and instructed me to undress 'as far as I felt comfortable' and then lie face down on the massage table covered with a large scarf-like sheet. Now, I'd heard that this undressing part could be a bit, well, unnerving to those who might be a bit bashful, but nothing could be further from the truth. I suppose if someone had been out there on the beach with binoculars and had looked at exactly the right time and place they may have gotten an eyeful, but it really was surprisingly private. My masseuse reentered and quickly kicked off her shoes and removed her socks so she could really get into the job at hand, and what a job she did. Boy, you haven't had a massage until you've had one at Serenity Bay. They do try to sell you products at the end, but it's easy to say no. Plan on spending about $150 for the hour-long treatment and gratuity. I tracked down my daughter in a different play area, and because it looked like rain we headed back to the ship. She'd already eaten, so she was happy to lounge in the cabin and watch TV while I ran off to Parrot Cay for a quick bite at the buffet there. Then we cleaned up and took naps before getting dressed in our 'formal wear' for the last show and dinner. Here's a warning to all of you that have ever done a non-Disney cruise... People do NOT dress up for the most formal dinner. Well, a few do, but for the most part the clothing looks a lot like what you'd see on a regular night on other ships: everything from fairly casual to suits and dresses. My daughter wore a skirt and blouse with sandals and looked as 'in place' as I did with my little black dress and heels. We stopped by the Castaway Club repeat cruisers reception first where we were offered a nice selection of hot and cold hors d'ouvres and a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The cruise director and the captain both stopped in for a few words, and senior officers wandered around making small talk. Then we headed back to the theater for the final show of the cruise, Disney Dreams. It's an oldie, but a goodie. Emily got in a few more minutes in the Lab afterwards, and I got another chance to work my emails before dinner. This last night was in Triton's, and I found the food that evening to be exceptionally good as did my adult table mate. The service was still slow, but I mentioned that my daughter needed to be in the Lab by 9:30 for her shot at making flubber, and they managed to time it perfectly. (I ran her up there after ordering dessert and made it back before the dessert was delivered.) The last evening was spent, as on most cruises, packing up and sticking the luggage outside the door. Our carry-on bag came in handy in the morning for hauling away our nighttime essentials, although it was again a bit awkward to have to take it to breakfast. One advantage of being on late dining is that you also get to eat a late breakfast (about 8:15 if I remember right), and then you can leave right from there. Luggage is staged inside in a very organized manner and it's easy to locate your bags and drag them over to customs and immigration. The majority of passengers are waived through quickly and after going down the escalator (or elevator) you're set to head home. Unfortunately, it was raining torrentially when we left so the walk over to the car, although covered much of the way, still left us pretty soaked.
I didn't cover everything, but I'd be more than happy to give Affordable
Disney Members more details if you're interested. I've also done the 7-night
Eastern itinerary, so I have plenty of information to share. If YOU want
to take a Disney cruise, remember these things:
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