Disney Cruises - Not Just For Families
Living in a frozen wonderland gets tired in the months of February and March. So, we plan a winter "getaway" every year. It also gives me an excellent opportunity to test sunscreens that I'll recommend to my patients this year.
"Where do you want to go this year, dear," I asked my wife.
"I don't know. What about you?" she replied "Disneyworld,"
I said, not waiting a second. "We've been there. Let's go on a cruise," she retorted "O.K. Let's do a Disney cruise,"
I replied "Are you sure? There's lots of kids on that boat." "No, a Disney cruise is for everyone." "O.K. Just get me away from the cold." Then I asked my 17 year old daughter, "What do you think about a Disney Cruise?" She said, "Any cruise is good. Can I bring a friend?" "OF course" So it was set. I phoned the Disney help desk, booked two balcony suites for a western Caribbean cruise about the Disney Wonder' one for my wife and I, and one for our 17 year old daughter andher friend, Christine.
Getting There
Disney cruises leave from Cape Canaveral - 50 minutes from Orlando. Conveniently, Disney arranges bus transportation from the airport to the cruise ship. So they have most things well in hand.
The Embarkment Procedure
When we arrived at the embarkment center, we were issued into a line. The line moved quickly - ten minutes tops.
They checked our identification papers, then sent us to the line to get our "key to the world cards." Then we were off to the ship. The girls went on to explore. My wife and I waited for the luggage to arrive, which didn't take long, and when it did, we unpacked. This is one of the best features of cruising - you only unpack once, regardless of the number of destinations you go to.
The Ship
The ship that does the longer cruises is the Disney Magic. It's sister ship, the Disney Wonder does the shorter 3 and 4 day cruises.
The moment you cross the gangway, you are welcomed and over the public address system. Each is equipped to provide its 2700 passengers with a full range of services - from bingo to classic Disney Broadway style shows.
And all of the service is provided by thousands of cast members from dozens of countries around the world. For example, our dinner server, Jacob was from the Czech republic and Assistant waiter was Esther from Hungary.
Disney makes a point to everyone - its 877 rooms have 25% more space than the industry average.
And the ship is designed to lure adults, teenagers, children and young adults to their areas and activities. My teenage daughter and her friend loved the area reserved for teenagers. It's called the stack and provided a great area for them to hang out in.
But other activities include a Wide World of Sports Deck (deck 10), a 10,700 foot spa, a children's club, dining and dancing areas, a movie theatre and a grand stage. But don't bother to look for a casino - you won't find one on a Disney ship.
You can never be bored - I dare you.
But there are more activities - for each and every age group
Bars and Lounges
From stylish spots with live piano requests to bars where you can watch your favorite sports event, Disney has a number of options for you.
Events-
Character Breakfast
A not to be missed special event, where you can meet the characters up close. Always held in Parrots Cay, Be sure to bring your camera. Although other options exist to get photos with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Minny, this is often your best opportunity. Warning - the noise level is high, the atmosphere exuberant. Captains Gala Dress up in your finery to enjoy this event. It's a great night to get a photo with the Captain, or the first mate.
Information Provided by:
Dr Barry Lycka
