Cruising can be an affordable vacation alternative, and a Disney cruise will offer you a vacation experience like no other. Disney cruises are very popular options for families with children of all ages. Disney also handles the ship as well as the ability to charge for everything onboard, from merchandise, food, and specialty drinks.
Disney's passenger terminals are new and modern, featuring short check-in lines. From swimming at Goofy’s Pool, party events, and the wonderful entertainment available, a Disney cruise is a great family vacation where your children can have their fun and adults can do their own thing. The Disney Cruise is a great option for families, where you can get to see the characters in a smaller setting such as character breakfasts.
Disney has subsequently decided they wanted more control over their cruises and created the Disney Cruise Line offers the most comprehensive and entertaining children programs afloat with over 15,000 square feet of space dedicated to them. Disney Cruise Line ships were designed with specific areas and activities to entertain and delight adults, families and children alike by creating the ultimate vacation experience that every member of the family thinks is especially for them. Disney Cruise Line loves kids also shows it loves their parents that bring them onboard.
Whether you are a first-time cruiser or an expert cruise vacation expert, you really can’t beat the Disney brand. You can’t really compare Disney to other cruise lines, simply because it does so many things differently. With its two smokestacks, long bow and black-and-white paint, it actually looks more like a traditional cruise liner than many of the newer cruise ships. On of Disney Cruise Line's ship, the Disney Wonder, goes round trip from Port Canaveral to the Port of Nassau and to Disney's private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay. Disney cruises are in a class by themselves compared to other cruise ships in its size and class.
AARON H PRATHER owns and operates http://www.disney-cruising.com a website dedicated to providing information about Disney Cruise and Walt Disney World vacations Disney Cruise
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Disney Cruise - Bahamas
Our Anniversary vacation started on Sunday with a surprise to my husband of a trip to Orlando, Florida, where we stayed for 4 nights at Walt Disney’s Beach Club Resort. We reluctantly packed our bags on Wednesday night for pickup and transport to the cruise ship on Thursday morning. Since we had rented a car, we drove back to the airport to return it, and took the motorcoach from there for the 45 minute ride to Port Canaveral, arriving just before noon. A special video plays during the trip with highlights about the ship and all the activities you can expect once onboard.
Our trip included a stay at Walt Disney Resort, so we were already “checked-in” for the cruise, and our WDW resort room key was also our boarding pass and stateroom key on the ship, eliminating the need to check in at the port; we were among the first to arrive onboard. Your stateroom key also allows you to make purchases onboard without having to carry any cash.
We each had a day bag with the essentials we would need upon boarding, and after stopping for a pre-boarding photo at the gangplank, we made our way on to the Disney Wonder. The staterooms would not be ready to occupy for several more hours, but we were directed to one of the restaurants where a sumptuous buffet awaited us. Mountains of Shrimp, carved beef, every kind of salad imaginable, decadent deserts, and festive tropical drinks were just a few of the offerings. We then toured the pool deck, and found some comfy lounge chairs to soak up some more sun, and even played a little ping-pong.
When the staterooms were ready, we found our luggage had already been delivered and settled in. A list of the daily activities is available in each room, and one of the television stations has information about on-board entertainment. We had pre-booked a special dinner at Palo’s, an adult’s only dining experience, as part of a specially purchased package – though normally you would have to make those reservations as soon as you board. We also had a spa treatment booked for the following day, and again, you would normally book that upon arrival. A life raft drill is held, then it’s on to the Sail Away party, and finally departure from the port in the late afternoon.
Disney Characters are on hand, and there are ample photo opportunities for your family. Ships photographers are available at every occasion, and photo’s can be viewed that evening and purchased if desired. Photo packages are available and allow you to select the best of the shots from your trip.
The unique dining experience rotates between 3 dining rooms for each night, and your waitstaff “travels” with you each night. The first night we enjoyed Animators Palate, the next night was Palo’s, and the third night was at Tritons.
The first night sailing takes you to Nassau in the Bahamas, where you can spend the entire day as you choose, departing around 7:00 p.m. -- be sure to allow plenty of time to re-board! There are so many on-shore excursions to choose from, the hard part is deciding which to choose. We selected the Thriller Power boat tour that reaches up to 60 mph and tours Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island, and highlights nearby private islands. This thrilling morning tour is a great way to start the day, and leaves plenty of time to explore Nassau in the afternoon on your own. We walked around the shops in Nassau then headed to Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort, where we toured the grounds, scoped out the casino, bought a few trinkets, then took a cab back to the ship.
This was also our spa day, and we enjoyed a facial (for me) and both had a relaxing massage, then on to the steam room. Although the on-board gym was well equipped, we never had the time to enjoy those facilities.
There are plenty of activities on-board to keep you entertained even while in port. This was our 6th day of perfect weather -high 70's, sunny, and clear skies. Every minute was filled with plenty of activity, and we also had plenty of relaxation time. Even though there were nearly 1,000 children on board, we never felt over-run by kids, and thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Kids have their own private deck on board, and activities designed to keep them entertained throughout the cruise.
There were nightclubs, bingo games, movies, character appearances, deck parties, live shows, and more than you could possibly fit into each day. Whatever your desires, be it a romantic honeymoon cruise, romantic anniversary trip like ours, or a family getaway, you’ll find it all onboard the Disney Wonder.
This second night onboard was our night at Palo’s, and we enjoyed the quiet adult’s only dining capped off with a special chocolate soufflé. The service is particularly attentive here, and the meals are superb. We had purchased a wine package upon boarding, and the wine selection was especially paired with the meals we ordered. They’ll even re-cork a bottle for you, if you don’t finish one during the meal.
We set sail that evening for Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where unfortunately the weather Saturday morning turned windy and rainy, and most of the day was spent on-board the ship. Ever attentive to the needs of the guests, the crew kept everyone on-board fed, active, and happy throughout the day. When the weather cleared some in the afternoon, we headed on-shore and enjoyed a leisurely walk around the island and along the sandy shores. Barbecue lunch was available, but we opted for room service in our stateroom onboard instead. This was to be our final night on-board and we were rotated into the more formal Tritons for dinner, and a special formal portrait was available beforehand. The meals are lavish, and you’ll never leave the table hungry! Each night you can select your appetizer, entrée, and desert from the menu provided, so you always get exactly what you’re hungry for.
The Disney Wonder is meticulously maintained to Disney’s normal high standards, and the service on-board met or exceeded every expectation you could have. The ship is a delight, beautifully appointment, with gorgeous teak decking, those special Disney touches, and again because it was early December decorated for Christmas.
We reluctantly packed our bags for the final time, in preparation to depart the ship early the next morning. Sunday dawned sunny and warm as we head to our assigned breakfast seating, where you eat in the same restaurant as the final night, then immediately disembark at Port Canaveral. A 45 minute motorcoach trip back to Orlando International Airport completes your journey, with Disney cartoons playing to pass the time.
One final day remains on our Central Florida vacation – in Part 3.
Bryn Hiner - read more about Walt Disney World at our website http://www.cheapdisney.info
Our trip included a stay at Walt Disney Resort, so we were already “checked-in” for the cruise, and our WDW resort room key was also our boarding pass and stateroom key on the ship, eliminating the need to check in at the port; we were among the first to arrive onboard. Your stateroom key also allows you to make purchases onboard without having to carry any cash.
We each had a day bag with the essentials we would need upon boarding, and after stopping for a pre-boarding photo at the gangplank, we made our way on to the Disney Wonder. The staterooms would not be ready to occupy for several more hours, but we were directed to one of the restaurants where a sumptuous buffet awaited us. Mountains of Shrimp, carved beef, every kind of salad imaginable, decadent deserts, and festive tropical drinks were just a few of the offerings. We then toured the pool deck, and found some comfy lounge chairs to soak up some more sun, and even played a little ping-pong.
When the staterooms were ready, we found our luggage had already been delivered and settled in. A list of the daily activities is available in each room, and one of the television stations has information about on-board entertainment. We had pre-booked a special dinner at Palo’s, an adult’s only dining experience, as part of a specially purchased package – though normally you would have to make those reservations as soon as you board. We also had a spa treatment booked for the following day, and again, you would normally book that upon arrival. A life raft drill is held, then it’s on to the Sail Away party, and finally departure from the port in the late afternoon.
Disney Characters are on hand, and there are ample photo opportunities for your family. Ships photographers are available at every occasion, and photo’s can be viewed that evening and purchased if desired. Photo packages are available and allow you to select the best of the shots from your trip.
The unique dining experience rotates between 3 dining rooms for each night, and your waitstaff “travels” with you each night. The first night we enjoyed Animators Palate, the next night was Palo’s, and the third night was at Tritons.
The first night sailing takes you to Nassau in the Bahamas, where you can spend the entire day as you choose, departing around 7:00 p.m. -- be sure to allow plenty of time to re-board! There are so many on-shore excursions to choose from, the hard part is deciding which to choose. We selected the Thriller Power boat tour that reaches up to 60 mph and tours Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island, and highlights nearby private islands. This thrilling morning tour is a great way to start the day, and leaves plenty of time to explore Nassau in the afternoon on your own. We walked around the shops in Nassau then headed to Paradise Island and Atlantis Resort, where we toured the grounds, scoped out the casino, bought a few trinkets, then took a cab back to the ship.
This was also our spa day, and we enjoyed a facial (for me) and both had a relaxing massage, then on to the steam room. Although the on-board gym was well equipped, we never had the time to enjoy those facilities.
There are plenty of activities on-board to keep you entertained even while in port. This was our 6th day of perfect weather -high 70's, sunny, and clear skies. Every minute was filled with plenty of activity, and we also had plenty of relaxation time. Even though there were nearly 1,000 children on board, we never felt over-run by kids, and thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Kids have their own private deck on board, and activities designed to keep them entertained throughout the cruise.
There were nightclubs, bingo games, movies, character appearances, deck parties, live shows, and more than you could possibly fit into each day. Whatever your desires, be it a romantic honeymoon cruise, romantic anniversary trip like ours, or a family getaway, you’ll find it all onboard the Disney Wonder.
This second night onboard was our night at Palo’s, and we enjoyed the quiet adult’s only dining capped off with a special chocolate soufflé. The service is particularly attentive here, and the meals are superb. We had purchased a wine package upon boarding, and the wine selection was especially paired with the meals we ordered. They’ll even re-cork a bottle for you, if you don’t finish one during the meal.
We set sail that evening for Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where unfortunately the weather Saturday morning turned windy and rainy, and most of the day was spent on-board the ship. Ever attentive to the needs of the guests, the crew kept everyone on-board fed, active, and happy throughout the day. When the weather cleared some in the afternoon, we headed on-shore and enjoyed a leisurely walk around the island and along the sandy shores. Barbecue lunch was available, but we opted for room service in our stateroom onboard instead. This was to be our final night on-board and we were rotated into the more formal Tritons for dinner, and a special formal portrait was available beforehand. The meals are lavish, and you’ll never leave the table hungry! Each night you can select your appetizer, entrée, and desert from the menu provided, so you always get exactly what you’re hungry for.
The Disney Wonder is meticulously maintained to Disney’s normal high standards, and the service on-board met or exceeded every expectation you could have. The ship is a delight, beautifully appointment, with gorgeous teak decking, those special Disney touches, and again because it was early December decorated for Christmas.
We reluctantly packed our bags for the final time, in preparation to depart the ship early the next morning. Sunday dawned sunny and warm as we head to our assigned breakfast seating, where you eat in the same restaurant as the final night, then immediately disembark at Port Canaveral. A 45 minute motorcoach trip back to Orlando International Airport completes your journey, with Disney cartoons playing to pass the time.
One final day remains on our Central Florida vacation – in Part 3.
Bryn Hiner - read more about Walt Disney World at our website http://www.cheapdisney.info
Saturday, July 7, 2007
The Magic of the Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Cruise line makes magic true for children the same way Midas turned everything he touched into gold. The ships of the Disney Cruise line are specially designed to re-create the magic of the cartoon world both for adults and children, just as the Disney cartoons do still today.
There are very few people in this world who would not like to have a hearty laugh at a cartoon with Mickey Mouse in it. In spite of the onslaught of hundreds of new cartoon channels, each introducing its own main character and hero/heroine, nothing can still beat the popularity and demand of the Disney cartoons.
The Design of the Disney Cruise Liners
The designers of these ships, as I mentioned earlier, have concentrated upon transporting you and your children into the magical world of cartoons, where the best thing is that nobody ever dies, where absolutely everything is possible and where laughter is a way of life.
You will find a few larger-than-life statues of the main and most popular characters of Disneyland, i.e. a 15 foot tall Goofy and another of Donald Duck. During the entire duration of the cruise, you will find people masquerading as one or other characters in the cartoons, and this thrills the children to no end.
If you love Disney or have children who love Disney, then go and find out what you want to buy from among the thousand-and-one things put up for sale in the souvenir shops. There is something for everyone, so everyone can have a small piece of this boat so they can always remember the wonderful time they have on board the Disney Cruise liner.
There are a number of cruises offered by the Disney Cruise liner. It has a three-day cruise, a four-day cruise, a seven-day cruise, and lastly a ten-day cruise. All the Disney Cruise lines stop en-route during their itinerary at the Castaway Cay, which is a privately owned island developed and maintained by Disney for its cruise members.
Of course, since these cruises are 95 percent gifts parents owe their kids, or just a great fun thing to do together, the Disney Cruise line offers its passengers the possibility of a stay-over at the Walt Disney World to complete the exceptional coordination to make this visit just wonderful. Those guests who opt for this choice will be thrilled to no end with the activities provided and the many surprises for children which will keep them happy for long, long hours.
In the meantime, technology makes it possible to offer you a splendid property on land at Walt Disney World, where the same key opens the stateroom doors on the ship. There are several hotels that are on the Walt Disney property, all with different themes. The best part is that they are only, at most, 15 minutes away from the main theme park. There is plenty of entertainment and plenty of fun offered everyday by the Disney Cruise line to prevent people from getting bored in the midst of so much magic and potential for fun.
Experience the magic of the disney cruise line! Visit http://cruise.every1loves2travel.com for more great resources and articles about cruise vacations, luxury cruises, cruise lines, Caribbean cruises and much more. Discover the world of cruising.
There are very few people in this world who would not like to have a hearty laugh at a cartoon with Mickey Mouse in it. In spite of the onslaught of hundreds of new cartoon channels, each introducing its own main character and hero/heroine, nothing can still beat the popularity and demand of the Disney cartoons.
The Design of the Disney Cruise Liners
The designers of these ships, as I mentioned earlier, have concentrated upon transporting you and your children into the magical world of cartoons, where the best thing is that nobody ever dies, where absolutely everything is possible and where laughter is a way of life.
You will find a few larger-than-life statues of the main and most popular characters of Disneyland, i.e. a 15 foot tall Goofy and another of Donald Duck. During the entire duration of the cruise, you will find people masquerading as one or other characters in the cartoons, and this thrills the children to no end.
If you love Disney or have children who love Disney, then go and find out what you want to buy from among the thousand-and-one things put up for sale in the souvenir shops. There is something for everyone, so everyone can have a small piece of this boat so they can always remember the wonderful time they have on board the Disney Cruise liner.
There are a number of cruises offered by the Disney Cruise liner. It has a three-day cruise, a four-day cruise, a seven-day cruise, and lastly a ten-day cruise. All the Disney Cruise lines stop en-route during their itinerary at the Castaway Cay, which is a privately owned island developed and maintained by Disney for its cruise members.
Of course, since these cruises are 95 percent gifts parents owe their kids, or just a great fun thing to do together, the Disney Cruise line offers its passengers the possibility of a stay-over at the Walt Disney World to complete the exceptional coordination to make this visit just wonderful. Those guests who opt for this choice will be thrilled to no end with the activities provided and the many surprises for children which will keep them happy for long, long hours.
In the meantime, technology makes it possible to offer you a splendid property on land at Walt Disney World, where the same key opens the stateroom doors on the ship. There are several hotels that are on the Walt Disney property, all with different themes. The best part is that they are only, at most, 15 minutes away from the main theme park. There is plenty of entertainment and plenty of fun offered everyday by the Disney Cruise line to prevent people from getting bored in the midst of so much magic and potential for fun.
Experience the magic of the disney cruise line! Visit http://cruise.every1loves2travel.com for more great resources and articles about cruise vacations, luxury cruises, cruise lines, Caribbean cruises and much more. Discover the world of cruising.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Walt Disney Cruise: What to Expect on Your Next Walt Disney Cruise
Whether the winter doldrums have got you down and you need an escape from the cold or you're just looking for a unique and exciting vacation that the whole family will enjoy, a Walt Disney cruise could certainly be the answer. Chock full of things to do for guests of all ages, these special cruises have been delighting thousands of avid cruisers and Disney fanatics for nearly a decade.
With the christening of the Disney Magic in 1998, Walt Disney cruise lines began to make its mark on the cruise industry. This was no snobby cruise line where kids were shipped off to activities and rarely seen. Walt Disney cruise excursions were all about family fun, first class service, excellent amenities, awesome activities, and the best that cruising had to offer.
Adding yet another dimension to the Disney experience, the chance to cruise and still enjoy the magic of Disney enticed many travelers to give cruising a try for the first time. Now, many go back year after year, eager to experience another taste of Disney-at-sea. The fact that you can combine a Walt Disney cruise with a stay at the Orlando-area theme park makes it even more special for visitors hoping to spend a little time with Mickey on land as well.
Few people go home unhappy after a Walt Disney cruise After all, everyone is treated equally here. The kids are the little princes and princesses of the ship, with enough activities crammed into each day to tire even the most energetic child. Little ones play the day away at the Oceaneer Club, where cordial Disney staff entertain those under 7 years of age with fun games, crafts, movies, and much more. Pre-teens hang out at the Oceaneer Lab, meeting new kids their age, participating in dances, watching the latest Disney releases, and even learning the fine art of Disney animation. Teens on a Walt Disney cruise can enjoy activities designed especially for them - including pool parties - hang out at the internet café, or play age-appropriate video games.
Adults are treated like royalty, too! You won't be hard-pressed to find activities to enjoy while the kids are off doing their own thing. There are plenty of adults-only areas on both the Disney Magic and Wonder, including a quiet pool where the splashing is kept to a minimum. The Wide World of Sports deck is also a favorite destination for active adults. World-class spas, fitness centers, and salons cater to your every need and even Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, has a separate area for adults who dock there while enjoying a Walt Disney cruise shore excursion.
Standard voyages with the Walt Disney cruise line include 3- or 4-night Bahamian cruises or 7-night excursions to either the Eastern or Western Caribbean. A short cruise may also be combined with a few days at the Walt Disney World resort in central Florida. The Walt Disney cruise line does feature several special cruises each year, offering such itineraries as an 11-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean, with stops at such ports of call as St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Look for special sailings when you book your Walt Disney cruise as itineraries are subject to change.
--
John Brennan is a travel writer who enjoys spending his free time in the most beautiful vacation spots in the world. He has two kids and a loving wife and cute little dog name Elfie.
He has two Disney websites:
Disney Vacation Time - Disney travel information regarding places to stay, where to eat, and how to save money while down in America's favorite vacationland.
Disney Princess Pictures - Come and check out a huge variety of Disney pictures ranging from Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs to Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
With the christening of the Disney Magic in 1998, Walt Disney cruise lines began to make its mark on the cruise industry. This was no snobby cruise line where kids were shipped off to activities and rarely seen. Walt Disney cruise excursions were all about family fun, first class service, excellent amenities, awesome activities, and the best that cruising had to offer.
Adding yet another dimension to the Disney experience, the chance to cruise and still enjoy the magic of Disney enticed many travelers to give cruising a try for the first time. Now, many go back year after year, eager to experience another taste of Disney-at-sea. The fact that you can combine a Walt Disney cruise with a stay at the Orlando-area theme park makes it even more special for visitors hoping to spend a little time with Mickey on land as well.
Few people go home unhappy after a Walt Disney cruise After all, everyone is treated equally here. The kids are the little princes and princesses of the ship, with enough activities crammed into each day to tire even the most energetic child. Little ones play the day away at the Oceaneer Club, where cordial Disney staff entertain those under 7 years of age with fun games, crafts, movies, and much more. Pre-teens hang out at the Oceaneer Lab, meeting new kids their age, participating in dances, watching the latest Disney releases, and even learning the fine art of Disney animation. Teens on a Walt Disney cruise can enjoy activities designed especially for them - including pool parties - hang out at the internet café, or play age-appropriate video games.
Adults are treated like royalty, too! You won't be hard-pressed to find activities to enjoy while the kids are off doing their own thing. There are plenty of adults-only areas on both the Disney Magic and Wonder, including a quiet pool where the splashing is kept to a minimum. The Wide World of Sports deck is also a favorite destination for active adults. World-class spas, fitness centers, and salons cater to your every need and even Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, has a separate area for adults who dock there while enjoying a Walt Disney cruise shore excursion.
Standard voyages with the Walt Disney cruise line include 3- or 4-night Bahamian cruises or 7-night excursions to either the Eastern or Western Caribbean. A short cruise may also be combined with a few days at the Walt Disney World resort in central Florida. The Walt Disney cruise line does feature several special cruises each year, offering such itineraries as an 11-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean, with stops at such ports of call as St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Look for special sailings when you book your Walt Disney cruise as itineraries are subject to change.
--
John Brennan is a travel writer who enjoys spending his free time in the most beautiful vacation spots in the world. He has two kids and a loving wife and cute little dog name Elfie.
He has two Disney websites:
Disney Vacation Time - Disney travel information regarding places to stay, where to eat, and how to save money while down in America's favorite vacationland.
Disney Princess Pictures - Come and check out a huge variety of Disney pictures ranging from Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs to Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
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