A Smart 'Dream!'

Disney Dream in her home port of Pt. Canaveral, Florida.
Photo Credit: http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2011/01/05/Disney_Dream_Ship_2_2_t607.jpg

January was a great month for the cruise line industry... and Mickey Mouse! Disney Cruise Line issued their latest vessel into service: Disney Dream! This ship has sparked the interest of many, and has become the newest attraction for family vacations.

Disney Dream will sail all-year-round from Pt. Canaveral Florida (closest to Orlando International Airport) to the Bahamas doing 3, 4, and 5 night voyages. On the 5 night voyages, you'll get to experience Castaway Cay (DCL's private island, in the Bahamas) twice! It's very rare to see a new cruise ship enter service doing shorter voyages, but Disney is known for being in a completely differnet league, when it comes to cruising (Personally, I like this idea of: new ship, short cruises).

Disney Dream features the AquaDuck, which is the first water coaster at sea, world class dining options, and even virtual port hole windows! When it comes to DCL, nothing less than the best is expected, and they out did themselves with Disney Dream! What can top this ship? Another one just like it; Disney Fantasy will be hitting the high seas in March 2012!

Make sure you book your cabin on this cruisetacular family destination! Mickey, Donald, and the whole Disney gang will be awaiting your arrival!

The Disney Dream's AquaDuck

On January 26, 2011 the Disney Dream will join the Disney Cruise Line Fleet. She is one of the largest cruise liners on the high seas, and will feature the first ever water coaster at sea, the AquaDuck. Check out the Video below!

Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Dream's AquaDuck Video

Why Not Try A New Cruise Line?

I am looking forward to trying Holland America Line.
Here is one of their Vista-Class vessels docked in the Caribbean.
Photo Credit: Rachel Sawyer 

Sometimes when cruisers experience their first cruise they think, "That's it, there is no other cruise line that is perfect for me!" I said this same exact statement after my first cruise, but how would I know that Carnival was the best if I hadn't cruised with any other lines? My first cruise was with Carnival Cruise Line, on Carnival Imagination. I knew that Carnival was the best cruise line and no one else could compare--that was until I tried other cruise lines.

I first branched out and tried Norwegian Cruise Line, sailing Norwegian Spirit, and I absolutely loved it (I am now hooked onto NCL)! Each cruise line has their own distinct flare and caters to an array of passengers. It is okay to have your favorites, we all do, but don't be afraid to try another great cruise line.

To date, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line are my personal favorites but that could change when I begin branch out to even more cruise lines; just as I first did a couple years ago. Don't try one ship in another cruise line's fleet, try multiple to get a true feel for what that cruise line has to offer.

A friend of mine just got back from Holland America Line and she said, "It's not your grandparents cruise line." I think I have a new cruise line to try, and so should you! Do a little research, and get out on the high seas to experience the ocean-going flare each ship wants you to fall in love with! Your ship awaits, bon voyage!

Cruise Ship Review: Disney Wonder




Disney Wonder docked in Nassau, Bahamas
Photo Credit: Shon "Cruise Man 3000" Ford



Disney Wonder is one of the better cruise ships I have embarked during my tenure in the cruise line industry, to date. This ship is remarkable inside and out and is a true crowd pleaser when it comes to the food, entertainment, and overall ship experience. Issued into service in 1999, Disney Wonder has been gracing the high seas with the familiar characters from the Disney Corporation for more than a decade. Currently, Disney Wonder is based to sail the west coast from Los Angeles, California. There, she offers itineraries to the Mexican Rivera, and Alaska.

An identical replica of her sister, Disney Magic (launched in 1998), Disney Wonder is truly the ultimate vacation destination for the entire family. There are certain portions of the ship that are reserved for every member of the family—kids, teens, and adults alike. The food onboard is phenomenal and keeps the palette 100% satisfied! There are four restaurants onboard—you transition through three for the duration of your ‘cruisetacular’ voyage. Each restaurant is different and specializes in certain cuisines from all over the world (the fourth restaurant, Palo, is not included with the cruise price and requires an additional cover charge).

There is an outdoor movie screen on the pool deck. The screen showcases Disney Channel shows and famous Disney films throughout the cruise. There is also an indoor movie theatre that shows films from more of the contemporary Disney film library. The line to meet-and-greet your favorite Disney characters, can be lengthy at times (especially for heavy-hitters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse). But, Disney keeps the characters in heavy rotation making a picture with your favorite character possible before you disembark. One night on the ship, there is a guest interactive deck party. The production is awesome and it ends with a real live firework production from the vessel’s aft.

Unlike many of the other leading main stream cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line offers FREE sodas on every one of their ships for the entirety of the voyage. They also have a cruise check-in at the Orlando International Airport—in essence, when you get to Port Canaveral (where the ship is docked) you walk right onto the vessel. Disney Wonder provides nothing less than world-class entertainment with a collection of spectacular shows that incorporate everyone’s favorite Disney films. Note: Disney Cruise Line does not have a casino onboard any of their vessels.

The cruise prices for a cruise on Disney Wonder can be very expensive, compared to the other main stream cruise lines that run the same itineraries, but IT IS WROTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY! Disney Cruise Line cannot be ranked with any other cruise line, for they are in a completely different league--in my opinion. On a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, I give Disney Wonder a 4.7. This ship is definitely a must cruise for any cruiser or family. Book a Disney Cruise today, and experience the fun children of all ages can’t get enough of (Captain Mickey and his crew will be awaiting your arrival)! Your ship awaits, bon voyage!