Why Sail Disney Cruise Line?
Did you hear Disney Cruise Line was voted Number One, Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Mega Ship Cruise Line and Number 1, Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Mega Ship Cruise Line for Families?
Once may wonder why they should sail on a Disney Cruise? I know I have always wondered why would I fly or drive 1,060 miles to get to Port Canaveral to go on a cruise when I have two ports so close to home in New York and New Jersey. I set sail with my family in August 2013 on the Disney Fantasy and now I would do it any time possible!
Fun for all ages!
Since it was my first time sailing DCL I couldn’t help but be curious when I noticed many people that were waiting to board were childless but as soon as I got aboard the Fantasy it all seemed to make sense to me. There were the most amazing kids clubs (Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge and Vibe) I had ever seen. They always had something fun and exciting going on for children of all ages. Then they had adult only locations like Senses Spa & Salon, Satellite Falls, Quiet Cove Pool, O’Gills Pub, La Piazza, Meridian, and many more. One of the most amazing features to me what that there was something for kids, adults, seniors and families to do all together or separate
Spacious Staterooms!
As a family of 6 I always am concerned about space and I can tell you we had two connecting balcony staterooms with more than enough space for everyone and all the things that come along with 4 small children on vacation. Disney Cruise Line kept the guest at mind when they created the ships and it was important to them to make the staterooms not only comfortable but also spacious for their guest. I personally think they did an amazing job at it. My favorite feature was the split bathroom, with a tub, sink, mirror in one and a toilet, sink and mirror in the other. They have nice spacious staterooms that sleep 2-5 guests. The staterooms that can hold 5 guests have a queen size bed, single convertible sofa, wall pull down bed, and an upper berth pull down bed. In the staterooms you will also have a refrigerator, hairdryer, on-demand television and in-room movies. The attentive housekeeping service comes twice a day with a great turndown service and always stocks you up on wonderful toiletries, clean towels and leaves a little surprise for you to return to at the end of the evening.
What Great Service!
The Disney Cast Members provide top of the line service at all times. Cast members were always smiling, happy and helpful. The stateroom stewards made you feel like you were the only guest on this ship and were there to do anything they could for you, the staff in the dining room (host or hostess, server, and servers assistant were able to get you anything you could want or imagine. The drinks we ordered each night were waiting on the table when we arrived, the server and assistant server would cut the kids food because he said we were on vacation and should get time off from having to take care of that. Guest Relations is always available to answer any questions you may have. On the last night of the cruise the dining staff knew that the bread pudding was my favorite so they had the chef prepare it especially for our family to celebrate our anniversary.
What is Included?
First, let me mention the soft-drinks since they are not included on any other cruise line. You can have all the nonalcoholic drinks you would like any time of day or night. The Dining experience is wonderful and you have many selections to choose from each day with a choice of where to eat. You can choose to eat in the Main Dining rooms, Casual Dining, Quick-Service Dining, 24 hour room service, Kids Club dining plus you have the option to eat in the adult exclusive restaurants for a small additional fee.
Youth Clubs have so much to offer all ages of children from 3 to 17 at no additional charge. They do break the children up by age so you have the Kids club for ages 3 to 12, the Tween club for ages 11 to 14 and the Teen club for ages 14 to 17. There is a place for children up to 3 to go however that is for an additional charge.
The live shows we saw nightly were just like going to Broadway and we couldn’t wait to see what show would be next. Unfortunately we did not get to visit the state of the art movie theater because we were doing other things but they had brand new movies playing all the time. One of the most fun things that we did were the deck parties so you do not want to miss those. There is a sports deck, Disney Character experiences, poolside movies, trivia games, live music, a wonderful fitness center to get a quick work out in, wave phones to call or text other passengers while you are onboard or at Castaway Cay, and so much more that is already included and provided at absolutely no additional cost.
Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island paradise. It is a port of call on many Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries and if you get lucky you may even stop here twice. While at Castaway there are many complimentary offerings including a buffet style bbq lunch, coffee, tea, soda, all you care to eat ice cream, tram transportation, beaches (family or adult only), beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, towels, hiking trails, yoga classes, beach sports, Island entertainment, kids and teen clubs, splash zone and Pelican Plunge waterslide.
Overall, the Disney Cruise will be worth every cent you spend. You will have a wonderful time and make memories that will last a lifetime