With so many options on the high seas, why choose Disney Cruise Line?
I can tell you that Disney Cruise Line was recognized as the #1 Cruise Line (Large-Ship category) in Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2013 Readers’ Poll. This is quite an accomplishment for such a young cruise line (debuting in 1998) and one that has a fleet of only four ships. What makes this honor so special is that it was awarded by people like you and me, people who take cruises with their families, and spend their hard-earned money on their dream vacation.
Yet does this really matter? Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely excited that the readers of Conde Nast Traveler put all four Disney ships in the top 8. Three of which are ranked at one, two, and three! However, when we start to think about a cruise vacation, do rankings and reviews really play a role in our decision? Do we search the internet for deals, ask family and friends for suggestions, and pay attention to the commercials we see on television? The media is saturated with cruise line information but in a brief, 30 second commercial, do we learn enough to really decide what cruise line is best for our family? Do we see the ads and wonder, while it looks and sounds fabulous, should I choose Disney Cruise Line over other popular cruise lines?
Why choose Disney? For me, there is a simple answer – because it’s Disney! I realize that not everyone shares my passion and undying love for all things Disney. That is why I have compiled the following list of reasons, some right out of the Disney Cruise Line brochure, and others that come from my personal Disney Cruise Line experience.
Disney Cruise Line offers an enchanted vacation experience, unlike anything you will find at sea. Included are:
- Rotational Dining. As you rotate through the three main dining rooms, your servers will travel with you. This one-of-a-kind experience makes your cruise even more magical. Have special preferences or requests? Your serving team will get to know you and your family, making sure you have what you want and need each evening.
- 24- Hour COMPLIMENTARY room service. Yes, you can order anything from a salad or pizza to a Mickey Bar at bedtime, delivered right to your room at no additional charge.
- FREE Soda, coffee and tea! These are ALWAYS available on deck at NO CHARGE. Yes, you can drink all the soda you want as you bask in the sun or play a game of shuffleboard with your kids.
- Staterooms are designed with families in mind. Some of the most spacious staterooms at sea, many with virtual portholes full of surprise and others with verandahs offering beautiful views of the open sea.
- Can you say PARTY? Themed deck parties, adults-only cabaret, family karaoke…there are parties for everyone in your party!
- Broadway- style Disney productions only found on the Disney Cruise Line
- Want to watch a movie? First-run movies, family favorites and more, some even in 3D. The Buena Vista Theater offers movies throughout each day of your cruise at no additional cost and 24 hour movies right on your stateroom television.
- Fantastically themed kids’ clubs with exclusive character appearances, Disney activities, entertainment, computers, crafts, and some of the longest operating hours available on any cruise line. Your kids can learn to cook with Ratatouille, attend a Toy Story Bootcamp, and even dance with Snow White and these clubs are included in your cruise fare! Disney makes safety a priority. Each child wears an electronic bracelet provided at cruise check in. The counselors use these for checking little cruisers in and out of the club.
- Private clubs for teens and tweens where the rule is no grown-ups allowed! Just cool counselors, awesome activities, and friends to make.
- Adults-only areas. Wait, adults only on a Disney Cruise? Oh yeah! Adults are spoiled and special aboard Disney Cruise Line with areas made exclusively for fun and relaxation. From the adults-only pool, nighttime entertainment district, fitness center and spa, even adults-only upscale dining spots. The kids get their fun and so do we.
- Disney Character Moments. Character meet and greets are available will provide passengers with a schedule of photo and autograph opportunities throughout your sailing.
- Fireworks! Most voyages include Disney’s own fireworks at sea.
- Wave phones! Two of these awesome little phones are provided in your stateroom. They are easy to carry and help you contact your family throughout the ship.
- The first ever water coaster at sea, AquaDuck! It is a wet and winding ride that even sends your tube out over the edge of the ship and splashes you down four decks. Let me just say, this ride is amazing and not to be missed!
- An entire deck of water fun. Separate pools for adults, families and kids (the Disney Fantasy features additional water play areas) .
- Itineraries for everyone. Disney Cruise Line sails to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean. Special itineraries may also be available.
- Safety is important to many families when deciding to take a cruise vacation. Disney Cruise Line puts safety first for cast members and guests. From security at the ports, to a mandatory lifeboat drill, to a superb fleet of ships featuring state of the art technology, prepared personnel, and attention to all the details.
- Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. Now this is one of my favorite reasons to choose Disney. Castaway Cay is unlike anywhere you have ever been. As Disney puts it, it is Neverland and Shangri-La, a private island paradise. This island was created exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. The ship docks and you walk off onto the island. No ferries, no tenders, no kidding! Here you will find that Disney has created exclusive areas for kids, teens and adults. With beaches, a floating deck with a waterslide, beach bars, snorkeling lagoon and dining locations for lunch, there is no need to get back on the ship throughout the day. This place is pure magic and pure Disney.
- Disney standards and service. While everything on the list is important, this is really why so many people return to Disney Cruise Line. Disney has a standard of excellence in everything they do and when you cruise Disney, you know that you will receive legendary service and a magical experience.
- Affordable. Besides being a DreamMaker for DreamFinder Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I am a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge with a deep understanding of the Disney vacation experience and an avid Disney vacationer. I can help create your vacation goals to fit your budget, make it affordable too and my services are complimentary – no cost to you!
As you can see, there are many reasons to choose Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation. Cruising, in general, is a wonderful way to visit many destinations, without having to pack up each time or spend hours on the road and Disney gives you so many options to choose from. Each night your stateroom host will leave a Personal Navigator in your stateroom, detailing all of the next day’s activities. You can choose to spend a lazy day by the pool, book a spa treatment, attend a wine tasting, play BINGO, or watch a movie. Maybe your kids, if they are anything like mine, will wake you up early so they can eat breakfast and be first to the kids clubs to hang out with their new friends. Your morning might start with room service and coffee on the verandah, enjoying the peace and quiet before heading out to check a cooking seminar or champagne brunch. It is YOUR cruise, so YOU decide!
Disney Cruise Line holds a special place in my heart. I have formed many life-long friendships because of Disney Cruise Line. It is where I met my husband and where we were married. We have sailed with our kids and their grandparents, making wonderful memories. I have cruised with my kids and before I had my kids. I love cruising. I believe that a cruise gives families a unique opportunity that is hard to find in any other vacation; the ability for your kids to have their own fun. Family vacation is important, probably one of the most important things you can give your kids. We have come to realize that, while my kids want to spend time with us and us with them, they also want to make new friends and do “kid stuff”. Vacation is supposed to be fun, and that means fun for everyone! Disney Cruise Line gives families a way to have three kinds of fun; Family Fun, Kid Fun and Grown-up Fun and with so much to choose from, the possibilities are endless. If you have ever thought of cruising, consider Disney. Your magical voyage awaits!
If you are interested in more information, a Disney Cruise Line brochure or DVD, or a FREE quote, email me at kamy@dreamfindertravel.net or visit www.doadreamvacation.com
Kamy Moss, Family Living Contributor & Central Florida Family and Travel Contributing Columnist
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Great information! I will be calling you to help plan my next visit.