Disney Cruises
There was a time, not too long ago, that the Disney characters were associated with a ship known as “The Big Red Boat”. Well, Disney saw the potential at moving into the cruise business, pulled its characters from that ship, and launched (in more ways than one!) its own cruise ships. Today, out of Port Canaveral, on the east coast of Florida, their two ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic cruise about the Caribbean, with stops at their own private island – Castaway Cay.
For a lot of people, gambling is a big part of going on a cruise. Once the ship is out of port, the casino opens, and the money starts to flow. You may not know it, but that’s how the cruise lines make most of their money. Well, Disney made the decision to not include casinos on their ships; they didn’t see it as instep with their image. So, if gambling is what you chiefly crave, try another line.Yet, if you have a family, and you’re looking for some good, wholesome, and fun-filled time together, then a Disney cruise is definitely for you. Yes, you will pay a bit more than with some lines, but the benefits are considerable. First off, the staterooms – even the standard interior ones – are larger than on other ships.
Then there are the onboard activities. As everyone knows, Disney is an expert at entertaining the whole family. The same is true on their ships. Activities are separated by ages, allowing the little ones their own fun, giving the middle children things they’ll enjoy, and even keeping the teens from being bored. The younger children can meet Disney characters, even have a meal with them, and meanwhile, mom and dad can slip off to a club or dance hall, or even for an intimate dinner.
On Castaway Cay, the Disney private island, Captain Hook and Mister Smee will take the little kids on a hunt for buried treasure, among other “fun in the sun” activities. At the same time, teens can go sailing or snorkeling, and mom and dad can take a leisurely swim at Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach area. If your kids loved the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, then they’ll love seeing the “Flying Dutchman” ship; it’s on permanent anchor at the island, and excursions are available.
And, there are ways of enjoying a Disney cruise without busting your budget. First off, try to travel off-season. That may sound silly; when is there a time when a Disney cruise wouldn’t be packed? Well, the early fall, when kids are going back to school is the best time. Also, if you can cruise at the last minute. Disney, like any cruise line, does not want its ships sailing with empty cabins. Prices generally drop as the sailing date approaches. And finally, check out their website disneycruise.disney.go.com for any specials they might run. If you’re a Florida resident, they often offer three-night cruises at greatly reduced prices. Also, websites like vacations-to-go.com lists discounts for many cruise lines, Disney among them.