Disney Cruise Line - Magic Review

When many people hear Disney, they often think of overpriced, kid vacations.  When it comes to Disney Cruise Line, they would be far from the truth.  This past November marked my 5th cruise with Disney, and I have another planned for September.  I find from the moment you exit your car and are checked in through the port, the "magic" Disney Cruise Line claims to have comes to fruition.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has two ships, The Disney Magic and The Disney Wonder, both similar in size based out of Port Canavral, FL.   They differ only in decor and the cruises they offer.  The Magic, sails 7 night cruises, alternating between the Eastern and Western Carribean.  The Wonder on the other hand offers both 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas.  Occasionally they do offer special cruises to different locations.

For me, a single but dating woman in her 30's, I found this to be a great time - obviously, I've done 5!  Now, I am a Disney fanatic, but don't believe that I let that come in the way of remaining objective. 

One of the first concerns I had when originally thinking about a cruise, was the size of a room.  I tend to be a bit claustrophobic in small, confined spaces.  I opted to book a Cat 9 oceanview stateroom, which included a large porthole.  For me, being able to look outside was a HUGE plus.  The room itself was also surprisingly large.  (Disney does have some of the largest staterooms in the industry - probably due to many families traveling)  It had what they call a split-bathroom, which comes in handy when multiple people are trying to get ready.  One bathroom contained the shower (which was very small) and a vanity, the other a toliet and another vanity.  The bed was queen sized and very comfortable.  The stateroom also had a small couch, that if needed, could become a bed, and another desk/vanity.  Storage was also not a problem, with large closets and plenty of drawers.  Most suitcases can also slide under the bed when empty.   The room itself worked perfectly and I had no complaints.  However, that was my only time in a room with no verandah, I have since fell in love with morning sunrises in a Cat. 7  Navigators Verandah.  For just a bit more money, I found being able to relax, feel the salt air and watch the water in my pajamas the perfect way to start and end the day.

DCL offers a bit of everything for everyone.  Each night your stateroom host will provide you with a Daily Navigator - which is a schedule of all the offerings onboard for the next day.  Like the ship, it's divided into sections.  The ship actually has sections suited strictly to kids, a teen area, families, and where I spent most of my time - the adults only section.  Route 66 is where many of my evenings were spent after a filling dinner.  There are 3 different lounges offering varying entertainment options - pub, lounge or dance.  All of which offer nightly programs and interactive games.  The pools are also divided into three separate areas.  There is the Mickey Pool, with a waterslide for the little ones, the Goofy pool for families, and again, where I spent my time - the Quiet Cove, for those 18 years of age and older.  This is also where I fell in love with my Carribean Passion, as the staff is always there willing to bring another - the bar - Signals in case you were wondering, is right there by the pool.  Never once did I run into a child.  The Vista Spa, also an adults only experience, was a WONDERFUL treat, that I budget for each and every time.  The Spa is run by an outside company, and provide top notch services with Elemis products.  I highly reccommend the seaweed wrap.

Dining on the boat is offered in both late and early seatings.  There are 3 main restaraunts, a buffet, and an adults only restaurant on board, and upon embarkation, you are given your dining rotation.  You eat in all of the 3 main restaurants at least once, and each offer a different experience.  Tritons on the Wonder(named after Ariel's father in Little Mermaid)is primarily a french cuisine inspired menu.  Animators Palate is a real "show".  Upon entering, the room is black and white sketches of various Disney cartoons, before you leave, it's bright and vivid colors have filled in those sketches.  Parrot Cay (pronounced Key) is a tropical themed and serves food with a Carribean flair.  The Beach Blanket Buffet is open for dinner as well if you choose not to dine in the restaurants.  Palo is based on reservation only and serves only those 18 years of age and older.  While all the other food onboard is included, there is a $10 per person reservation fee for Palo.  Service is top notch by your waitstaff that follow you each night.  Each cruise I've gotten to know our servers well, and since they follow you, my drink was often waiting for me as I sat down to the table.

Based on your dining schedule, each night, Disney offeres a  Broadway inspired production in the Walt Disney Theatre.  I love them - entertaining and most include some adult humor, the Disney way - where those that shouldn't get it, don't.  The theatre seats are comfortable and the theatre itself is large and you would never guess you were floating in the ocean!

However, for me, the highlight is always Castaway Cay - Disney's private island. Most cruiselines offer the same ports, what sets them apart are their privat islands.   Located not far from Nassau, the ship docks in the morning and you spend the entire day in Disney Paradise!  Again, catering to everyone, there is a family beach, Scuttle's Cove for the kiddies, and Serenity Bay for the adults.  Serenity Bay = HEAVEN in my eyes!  Quiet, and not a care in the world is the best way to describe it.  I usually get a float, and spend it in the crystal blue waters before my "must-do" jet ski excursion.  They also offer a cabana massage, which I highly reccommend. 

For me, I find it hard to even try other cruiselines.  I've never had a bad experience aboard DCL.  The staff, entertainment, dining, and accomodations are everything I've come to expect from Disney.  I have no problem paying the little extra for what I love - the "magic".  My standards are a bit high, so I guess Disney has created a bit of a Princess out of me when it comes to my cruise vacations.