The magical world of a Disney cruise

Disney was the first cruise line I ever set sail with, and my family’s magical experience fuelled a lifelong love of cruising. It’s not just that the attention to detail is extraordinary, or that your kids can experience amazing freedom and have access to state-of-the-art kids’ clubs; but you’ll find plenty of places to relax, too.

Plus, of course, a cruise is the best way to explore the world’s most iconic destinations and make memor es to last a lifetime. Here’s why...



 





Disney cruise ships hark back to the golden age of cruise travel; the ‘cast members’ (staff) learn your names and nothing is ever too much trouble. The decor is inspired by the art deco era and it’s classy and elegant, never tacky. Apart from the pool deck and kids’ clubs, the animation touches on board the ships (the Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) are surprisingly subtle. There are plenty of opportunities for character encounters, including the beautiful Disney Princesses and, of course, Captain Mickey and his crew, and you might see Daisy Duck or Cinderella wandering round the ship, but it never feels in your face.

Cruise holidays, of course, give chance to visit lots of different places and enjoy new experiences. Disney offers an impressive range of excursions in all ports of call, from exploring the delights of Pompeii in Italy to a stingray encounter in the Bahamas, and everything runs perfectly. In Villefranche, for example, there’s a tenure (boat) that takes you across to the town in time to catch the train to Monte Carlo, Nice or Cannes. The guides are extremely knowledgeable, and you always feel well looked after.

The Disney staterooms (cabins) are probably some of the most spacious at sea, and have the added bonus of a split bathroom – ideal for families – with a very comfortable sofa, TV and double bed. Kids will love the novelty of sleeping on the bunk beds and older ones will delight in being able to order any food they fancy from room service, including cookies and sandwiches, for free. Opt for a veranda stateroom and you’ll be able to enjoy your breakfast on your balcony, with a view of the ocean or your new port of call.

Food is always a very important ingredient in the overall cruise experience. What’s brilliant about a Disney cruise is their innovative rotational dining system. You get to eat in all three non-speciality restaurants on board, including Animator’s Palate, with its wonderful light show. There’s a huge range of food options in all the restaurants and the quality is excellent. There are lots of American and Caribbean influences, but you’ll also find international dishes and they do cater for all tastes. There’s at least one formal dining option per cruise which is great for those who like dressing up for dinner. Plus of course there are heaps of casual dining options during the day and by the pool, and free ice-cream is always available. Special mention, though, has to go to the speciality restaurant Palo, where you can enjoy a spectacular Italian Sunday brunch or dinner (cover charge applies): the chocolate soufflé is exquisite. Your dining team moves with you on a Disney cruise, to every restaurant (apart from the speciality ones), so you get to know them well. Of course, calories don’t count at sea but unless you’re hitting the treadmill in the superb gym you can expect to put on a few pounds. Embrace it.

Disney Magic underwent a recent ‘reimagineering’, and now boasts a revamped atrium with a stunning art deco chandelier. There’s the Brazilian themed Carioca’s restaurant, Fathoms nightclub and most exciting of all the new-look pool deck with a Huey, Dewey a Louie-themed toddler splash zone, a Twist ’n’ Spout water slide and the Aqua Dunk, a translucent water slide that extends 6m over the side of the ship.

If your children were designing a cruise ship, it would probably come pretty close to a Disney cruise line vessel. From the Toy Story-inspired Andy’s Room to Marvel’s Avengers’ Academy and themed activities, the amazing pool deck and the Aqua Duck water slide, everything has been carefully thought through to give kids a holiday to remember. Babysitting is also on offer and the only challenge can be persuading your offspring to get off the ship. If you’re travelling with teenagers, the Dream and the Fantasy have the best onboard facilities for this age group.

Surprisingly Disney cruises offer adults a lot too, from adults-only dining at the extraordinarily good Palo restaurant to bars, a comedy club, the spa and best of all, an adults-only pool, where you enjoy some peace and quiet while your kids are in the clubs. On a Bahamas cruise, adults even get their own island, the fabulous Serenity Bay, where you can float around, snorkel or sunbathe safe in the knowledge that your kids are being well-looked after.

Forget any misconceptions about cruise ship entertainment: Disney cruises offer Broadway-quality shows, some of the best you’re ever likely to see, with extraordinary technical wizardry (they actually make it snow during one show), costumes, and performers; plus of course well-loved songs and characters from favourite films. The cinema also plays new movies. Disney was the first cruise line to introduce fireworks at sea, and their Pirates of the Caribbean party is not to be missed – everyone dresses up for the occasion, and there’s something particularly special about seeing fireworks burst into colour against the night sky when you’re in the middle of the ocean. You’ll also be treated to some surprises, including special appearances by a much-loved character during dinner at the Animator’s Palette (we don’t want to spoil it for you).

Disney’s spa, Senses Spa, has luxurious facilities to rival any hotel spa, including the Rainforest Room with hammam, and an extensive spa menu (you can even have your teeth whitened at sea). There’s something particularly indulgent about being given a facial in a room with a view of the ocean. Treatments include the delectable chocolate wrap and they also do a great blow-dry. Try the Absolute Spa Ritual ($100 or Dh367), which includes a Pro-Collagen Marine facial and full body Swedish massage – you’ll leave the spa walking on air.

There’s something very special about sailing from Venice and you can sail on Disney Magic on a nine-night voyage from the Italian city this summer to Katakolon, Greece (for Olympia); Piraeus, Greece, for Athens; the Turkish coastal resort of Kusadasi, where you can see the ancient ruins of Ephesus; and the Greek islands of Rhodes and Mykonos. If you’re dreaming of Caribbean beaches then the Southern Caribbean Cruise in September, also Disney Magic, calls at the islands of Antigua, St Lucia, St Kitts, Barbados and Grenada; and of course there also the classic three or four night sailings to the Bahamas and Disney’s own Caribbean island, Castaway Cay, which you can combine with a stay at Disney World. Add in a Panama Canal cruise with stops on the Mexican riviera on Disney Wonder (departing in September), and Alaskan cruises in June and the world is pretty much your oyster.