Princess Fan Tours Disney Magic

[CruiseFever]

Having cruised on Carnival and Princess several times I was anxious to see how the Disney Magic stacked up. I'd heard various reports and read a number of reviews in the past. The impressions I went into this with included:

• Great cruise for little kids, forget it for the adults
  
• Decent sized cabins, nicely appointed
  
• Great cruise for little kids, forget it for the adults
  
• Expensive, not a good cruise value
  
• Great cruise for little kids, forget it for the adults
  
• Just two ships, limited itineraries
  
• Great cruise for little kids, forget it for the adults
  

First, let me blow away the notion that Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) target kids as their primary passenger.

 

It's just not so

 

Let's start with the pools. There are three for guest access, one for the crew.

 

A childrens pool, aft, filled with filtered and desalinized sea water (not like the pool back home or on Princess but close, like Carnival) that features a nice slide for age four and up. There's no smoking here as there is no smoking in all of the family areas and the staterooms (that's right, all staterooms are non smoking) and the area is about as kid proof and safe as one could be. This area features the 24/7 drink station with free soda and a snack bar

 

The Family pool, midship features pizza open until late evening (sorry, not 24 hours) two whirlpools and is located next to a nicely equipped arcade. To be sure junior does not run up the shipboard account too much, DCL staff suggests freezing the charge capability of their "Key to the World", Disney's version of the plastic shipboard credit card. Arcade cards can be purchased there though in $5, $10 and $20 increments by anyone (mom and dad) with an active Key.

 

All the way forward is the adult pool, 18 and over only which has full bar service (over 21) and a smoking area as well as more adult-only whirlpools and access to the basketball court nearby (up stairs) as well as a nicely equipped spa. The ship's adequate (nothing to write home about but serviceable) exercise room has a really cool feature. Utilizing the treadmill you not only look out at the ocean, you look down on the actual operating bridge. The forward location makes it a quiet area where adults are able to escape the kids.

 

This theme of having the ability to escape from the kids is repeated in several places around the ship.

 

I was surprised.

 

I had this notion that this was going to be a week long family bonding sessioin complete with singalongs, good wholesome shenanigans and the like.

 

Ok so those things are part of it, but then there's Palo, the adult only restaurant located all the way forward on deck 10. Open for Brunch, high tea and Dinner you'll find no kids here either. This open-air Iron chef-like kitchened venue has marvelous views of the sea, much like the observation capability of Skywalkers on Princess or the secret decks above the bridge on most Carnival ships. You'll pay a modest $15 upcharge to be there but it seems the price would be well worth it.

 

There's also an adults-only bar and cigar bar (yes cigar bar) located just off an open deck that's nicely laid out, quiet and an oasis of tranquility.

 

No, there is no casino on board. Instead, DCL took that space and turned it over to the childrens program creating, as you might guess, a very nice program divided into six groups for the 900 to 1000 kids on each sailing:

1. Infants, 2 months up to age 3 (not potty trained) complete with hourly ($6) baby sitting as needed. Ships staff advises parents of kids this age to run to this area to make reservations upon boarding as space is limited
   
2. Ages 3-4- Activities start as early as 7:30am and this group, as all the others, can stay here all day, having lunch and dinner with their friends if they want to or if mom and dad want time alone.
   
3. Ages 5-7- Starting n the Oceaneer Club and Lab (they make Flubber here)this age group, like others, moves around the ship and doesn't stay in the same place all day
   
4. Ages 8-9 marks a decided difference in the programming where the kids get involved with such activities a Pinata Party, Scavenger Hunt, and one on one time with the Captain
   
5. Ages 10-12 kick the difficulty level of other groups up a knotch or two and introduce big kid stuff like line dancing, pictionary and dodgeball.
   
6. Age 13-17 has one of the best deals on the ship in "The Stack" a teen only hang out on Deck 11, midship. Here they have thier own bar that has soft drinks and smoothes. lots of big screen tv's and Internet Cafe stations, and a healthy amount of supervision
   

In fact, all DCL childrens program personnel are college graduates, trained and specializing in their age group.

 

So yes, Disney does kids like nobody else but Disney does adults pretty darn well too. I can say without hessitation that an adult who does not like kids could sail on this ship and have a fabulous cruise. Adults with kids can sail on this ship and have a fabulous cruise with or without the kids. More importantly, kids can sail on this ship and have a fabulous cruise even with mom and dad along.

 

Indeed, the whole family, regardless of its composition, gets welcomed aboard as their names are announced to cheering crew who escort them to a luncheon venue.

 

Cabins are roped off and won't be available until 1:30PM but our guide snuck us in for a peek while crew was in the final stages of preparing them.

 

We started with the Roy and Walt Disney suites, the best on board. Located one starboard and one port, midship on deck 8, these can sleep up to 8 and feature all the trappings that the top of the line accomodations should have.

 

On DCL, cabin categories run counter to other lines with 1 being the highest category and 12 being the lowest.

 

Categories 1, 2 and 3 are suite categories, concierge level, and come with a priority embarkation lounge on the first day where conceirge level guests take care of reservations for the week and relax while waiting for staterooms to open up, go to lunch or the rest of their party.

 

Category 4, the Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah, sleeps five. Two on convertible queen, one on a sofabed, one on a Muphy bed out of the wall and one on an upper out of the cieling. One unique feature of this cabin category is the split bathroom where the shower and tub were in one part and the toilet and sink in another. Remembering trying to get everyone ready for dinner the last time the four in our family stayed in the same cabin, I appreciated the versatility of this arrangement.

 

Categories 5 and 6 are similar but some take 3 or 4 guests and some have the split bathroom and some do not

 

Category 7, the Deluxe Stateroom with Navigator Verandah was of special interest to be because the price is considerably less than categories 4,5 and 6. The only difference really is on the Verandah where instead of a completely open area this one is closed off with the view being through a port hole shaped opening. This looks like a great choice if privacy is of concern as there is no way anyone could look down on or around partitions into this area.

 

Categories 8 and 9 are outside cabins with a picture window. Laid out similar to the other cabins minus the verandah, some sleep 3 and some 4

 

Category 10 inside cabins offer the same layout as outside categories 8 and 9 but without the window

 

Categories 11 and 12 inside cabins are worth spending a little more time considering than on some other lines. At a standard 184 square feet they're comparable but the layout is unique, offering a privacy divider and a single convertible sofa to 3 or 4 guests.

 

My preconceived notion of "decent cabins, nicely appointed" was somewhat pale in comparison to the real thing. These are really nice cabins. The top end cabins are about what you might expect, perhaps not quite a roomy feeling as those on Princess or Carnival but very nice. Not ultra nice but decidedly the nicest on the ship.

 

Where DCL has excelled and stands out is in the size of the "standard" midrange balcony (verandah) cabin which come in at between 214 and 304 square feet. They've put a lot of thought into who will be using these cabins and it shows.

 

This is the Disney version of cruising. Think of everything you know about Disney, their innovation, imagination and creativity as a company since before the classic Wonderful World Of Disney television programs and apply it to the cruise business.

 

Behold a unique experience.

 

Lets back this up to embarkation for a minute.

 

From the time you get first glance of the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral you know this is going to be something something special. Inside, the mind of Disney runs wild setting the stage for the magical cruise experience that's about to begin.

 

Simply put, this is the very nicest cruise termina I have ever seen or heard of.

 

But why wouldn't it be?

 

Disney has been moving crowds of people around their parks efficiently for decades. They know how to do crowds and it's a welcome addition to our precruise experience.

 

Entering the terminal you'll walk on a terazzo floor that you might notice is a huge map, about the size of a football field, of the Caribbean Sea, complete with named islands. Looking up the Art Deco influence takes off with waves that roll down the sides of the room and tie the whole place together, directing your attention to a big opening with, you guessed it, mouse ears that is where you'll board the ship.

 

Concierge level guests are treated to a shorter line and easier embarkation process. Really. These level guests as well as those who might be on combination theme park/cruise packages, get priority boarding. There's even a VIP lounge/wedding chapel off to the side.

 

Other passengers are not left standing long though as 20-some stations open to process them (one member of each party) on to the ship and issue their "Keys to the World" which clearly mark "NA" (No Alcohol) for those under 21 , their cabin number and assignment in the dining room.

 

The whole dining room experience is pure Disney genius too.

 

There are three main dining rooms. Each passenger is assigned a table and wait staff.

 

What's different here to begin with is that not the guests, but the dining rooms change every night on a rotation. You'll dine with the same other pasengers and be served by the same wait staff but in a different room each night.

 

My favorite of the rooms is the Animators Palate.

 

In this room, upon entering, everything ( and I mean EVERYTHING) is black and white. As the meal progresses and color is added into the room through the introduction of the various courses the walls, lighting and everything else start to gain color too. Finally in the end you'll look around and realize that the dining room staff is all gone but then they burst into the room in full color for singing and dancing, Disney Style.

 

The other dining rooms include Parrot Cay with a Caribbean theme and Lumieres with a more traditional theme located right off the lobby on deck 3

 

Traditional cruise themes are still on this ship but with a Disney twist. Decks are simply numbered, not named for ease of all family members. There's still a lifeboat drill, shore excursion talks and a daily shipboard newsleter, this one called the Navigator which outlines the days activities.

 

Put it all together and this cruise line stacks up very nicely to others. Compared directly to Carnival and Princess, this is a line with similarities that any cruise ship sailing the ocean would share in common.

 

Where the value here comes from is in the Disney touch that makes it special. To some that might not be enough. Comparing similar 7 day Caribbean itineraries you can find less expensive sailings on both Princess and Carnival. You'll find just as much elegance on Princess and a close enough second place on kids programs on Carnival.

 

What is different here is that Disney has looked at cruising as entertainment.

 

All of it

 

From the state of the art cruise terminal that processes people with ease but yet sets the stage for a magical cruise experience by taking you back to the huge open train terminals of a half century ago to a navigators clock on the table in the least expensive cabin on board, the attention to detail is nothing short of remarkable.

 

If you appreciate that, this is a cruise line for you. If you're looking for a bargain, go elsewhere.

 

Disney is selling the magic and does not miss one opportunity to create a unique experience as only they can

 

And that, my friends, is saying quite a lot if you consider that not once, not one single time, have I mentioned The Mouse.

 

The Mouse is there, in everything from the huge ears you walk through to get on to the ship to the arms that tell where the elevator is. But they have not relied on The Mouse to carry the experience.

 

These people know how to cruise and do it well.

 

I highly recommend this cruise line.

[mycruz]

Chris,

 

Just like you, we have sailed Princess, Carnival and Disney. I agree with most everything you say in your review. There is also one other thing that I would like to point out.

 

We loved our experiences on Princess and Carnival, however when it comes to the "little things", Disney wins hands down. We find that the service on Disney is above the others, such as whenever you present your room card for charges, the cast members always thank you by name. The ship is kept so clean and nice, you never see anything that is not taken care of, such as worn carpet, scratches on walls, etc.

 

As for not having a casino. For me that is a blessing! I tend to lose way too much money in those places, however Disney does stop in Nassau and you have a whole day that you can spend in Atlantis to take care of your gamling bug.

 

As for adults, our last cruise was 10 family members and friends with only two of our group children. My 4 yr. old grandaughter and 3 mo. grandson. On our second night the head waiter approached our table and actually remembered us from a previous cruise! He thanked us for bringing along more guests! We didn't think the 4 yr. old would want to be left at the children's center, boy were we wrong! We had to literally drag her away. On our second day, we did not see her from early morning until time for dinner, and only because she had spilled something on her and they buzzed us to come for her to get changed.

 

Anyways, I know that other cruise lines are less expensive, but if I count the money I save by not having a casino it would propaby make up the difference!

 

Thanks for the great review, it was very good.

 

Mary

[Capt_BJ]

I concur

 

my cruise history speaks louder than words.

 

I would have serious reservations taking my kids on any cruise other than DCL - in fact, when asked this year if they wanted to go on an NCL - one said no (and lack of agreement meant they stayed home with granny) I'm sure one our two would be OK - but the other would not....no question. In his mind DCL is the standard to be met, and others won't make it.

 

I'd never take a Disney w/out the kids however. Some do, and for sure the DCL experience is good. But I'd never subject myself to 1000 kids if I didn't have to... Even pre-kids, spousal unit and I wished WDW had adults only days.

[TheWog]

Great review. Thank you. I have to agree that Disney does it really, really well.

[LifesLikeThat]

I must ask how you can "highly recommend" a cruise line when you have never actually sailed it? Thats like recommending a book by simply looking at its cover or recommending a car you have never actually driven.

 

Making at statement like that may make good copy and perhaps please Disney but the statement holds no water.

[mojodani]

I must ask how you can "highly recommend" a cruise line when you have never actually sailed it? Thats like recommending a book by simply looking at its cover or recommending a car you have never actually driven.

 

Making at statement like that may make good copy and perhaps please Disney but the statement holds no water.

 

 

I agree. The post sounds like a Disney brochure.

 

Having cruised the Magic, this month, these are my observations:

 

The terminal is clean, comfortable and easy to navigate. Parking is right outside the doors for those who drive to the port. Embarkation took longer than what we have experienced on RCI, HAL and Princess -- even with all of the counters opened. Once the mandatory passport requirement is in effect, perhaps the process will be quicker.

 

Parrot Cay and the Topsider were opened for lunch on embarkation day. We felt that the Topsider was a cramped and crowded venue, especially when there are 1000 kids onboard and several are in strollers. Parrot Cay was less hectic.

 

Disney was definitely proactive with hand sanitizing. CMs were stationed at the dining room entrances dispersing wipes. Individual packets and the dispenser were also available. We heard the kids' counselors reminding the children to wash their hands when they escorted them to the restrooms, too.

 

The sailaway party was a great way to start the cruise for the kids. They covered the Goofy Family Pool for additional dance space. And you gotta love the Disney horn, "When you wish upon a star..."

 

Disney took maintenance to the extreme. We were inhaling fumes from a freshly painted ship while waiting for the no-shows to arrive for the mandatory drill. Extension cords were snaked along hallways throughout the week, banging and clanging awoke pax at 0800 to fix Mickey's glove on the slide, crew members were soldering a step at the Goofy Pool during peak hours without a shield and the pool was emptied and scraped by 7PM on Friday night.

 

The unique dining rotation made for enjoyable dining but our service was spotty. We had to ask for water and coffee each night and refills of ice tea and soda were rare. The magic tricks were appreciated, though! The lobster and shrimp were larger than what we've had, too. We had great tablemates for the second seating so we didn't try Palo's.

 

The scheduled character breakfast listed on the dining tickets was a plus. Also, the beverage station offered complimentary Coke products as well as fruit punch, coffee, iced tea, hot water for tea and hot chocolate and water on deck nine. The Topsider had limited dining hours compared to the buffets on other lines. The food was not as good as the Windjammer or Lido Buffets the few times we ate there but our tablemates enjoyed the Asian and Seafood lunches at Topsider. Scoops for frozen custard, Pluto's Doghouse and Pinocchio's Pizzeria were opened during various times of the day.

 

The Magic ran out of Mickey waffles, garnishes for martinis, a Men's Mickey watch and a digital camera. The photogs were annoying and disruptive during dinner until we finally said, "No, thanks!" They had us jumping up mid-meal for various shots. Geesh. Disney's almost daily vacation plan notices left in our staterooms were annoying, also.

 

The Pirates of the Caribbean theme night and deck party with fireworks were fun and of course, the Disney shows were true Disney -- first rate. Sadly, we saw the last Hercules -- the Musecal. We liked the abundance of movies in the theatres and in the stateroom but that 13 inch TV was dinky!

 

Activities for adults were few and far between on port days. Three treadmills and an orbiter were out of service in the gym. The Quiet Cove pool area for adults along with the Cove Cafe were wonderfully quiet sanctuaries.

 

The Oceaneer Club and Lab had many activities scheduled for the children and parents were given beepers for the week. We met many kids who did not like the too-structured atmosphere. Some of the kids looked like zombies being herded from one activity to another. OTOH, our 6 year old tablemate proclaimed that "Making Flubber!" was the highlight of his trip.

 

The infirmary dispensed expired eye drops for $50. to our tablemate who lacerated his cornea.

 

We did not care for the split bathroom deal in the staterooms -- way too small. I cannot imagine wearing a formal gown in there. I was grossed out with the mildew spewing out from behind the tub wall after a night of rough seas.

 

We scheduled a bridge tour through guest services.

 

Castaway Cay was great, of course. No tendering and lots of complimentary loungers, chairs and umbrellas. A Konch Kooler hit the spot after a quick bike ride to Serenity Beach (adults only).

 

For disembarkation, we had to be out of cabin by 0800. You could eat at the buffet or in the dining room at a pre-determined time depending on whether you had first (0645) or second seating (0800) assignment. Customs did not clear the ship until well after 0800 and the line to disembark was back to Parrot Cay. Repeat Disney cruisers said this was unusual. Again, fumbling for those birth certificates took longer. Finding our luggage was a snap.

 

We don't think Disney was worth the extra money compared to other cruises but we like to try different lines and were thankful for the Florida resident rate!

 

Joni

[CruiseFever]

I must ask how you can "highly recommend" a cruise line when you have never actually sailed it? Thats like recommending a book by simply looking at its cover or recommending a car you have never actually driven.

 

Making at statement like that may make good copy and perhaps please Disney but the statement holds no water.

 

How can I highly recommend a cruise line when I have never actually sailed it?

 

Great question, thanks for asking

 

The tour I went on is called a familiarization tour for the press and travel agents. In it you are led around the ship and shown the different passenger areas so you are familiar with them and can discuss them with the public or clients. .

 

Like you say "without even actually sailing it" I can highly recommend it.

 

Wow!

 

You're right, that really IS saying something!

 

Most travel agents have not sailed on every ship and been to every travel destination in the world. Still, they recommend options to their clients that they believe will be appropriate. Tours such as this make for better, more accurate recommendations

 

Sure the price is higher than other cruise lines but I wasn't reporting on price. What is a lot to spend to one person might not be to another.

 

For example, one consistent comment is that quite a few families with small children find this cruise line to be a good value. What I found interesting was that I will sail this ship and I have NO little kids.

 

That was big news to me and contrary to the impression I had gotten from reading posts and comments here on these boards. I thought it only fair to report accurately what I saw.

 

Does that answer your questioin?

[CruiseFever]

This reminded me just now. I got copies of the program content for each age group in the kids program.

 

If anyone would like to have a copy let me know and I will set them up on some neutral website. I can't take your email address as that's against the rules (and not a good idea anyway) but would be happy to share them.

 

Here are some of the photos from our tour too:

 

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=329347489

[momofmeg]

Chris,

 

Just like you, we have sailed Princess, Carnival and Disney. I agree with most everything you say in your review. There is also one other thing that I would like to point out.

 

We loved our experiences on Princess and Carnival, however when it comes to the "little things", Disney wins hands down. We find that the service on Disney is above the others, such as whenever you present your room card for charges, the cast members always thank you by name. The ship is kept so clean and nice, you never see anything that is not taken care of, such as worn carpet, scratches on walls, etc.

 

As for not having a casino. For me that is a blessing! I tend to lose way too much money in those places, however Disney does stop in Nassau and you have a whole day that you can spend in Atlantis to take care of your gamling bug.

 

As for adults, our last cruise was 10 family members and friends with only two of our group children. My 4 yr. old grandaughter and 3 mo. grandson. On our second night the head waiter approached our table and actually remembered us from a previous cruise! He thanked us for bringing along more guests! We didn't think the 4 yr. old would want to be left at the children's center, boy were we wrong! We had to literally drag her away. On our second day, we did not see her from early morning until time for dinner, and only because she had spilled something on her and they buzzed us to come for her to get changed.

 

Anyways, I know that other cruise lines are less expensive, but if I count the money I save by not having a casino it would propaby make up the difference!

 

Thanks for the great review, it was very good.

 

Mary

 

I agree with you that Disney costs more because it does not have a casino. What people do not realize that it is gambling and the cost of alcoholic drinks that keeps the cruiselines in business. so ofcourse the other lines can charge less. They get your money in the casino. When a lot of people factor in that they might actually find the Disney ships less expensive.

 

We as 3 adults had a wonderful time on our Disney Wonder cruise. Kids were never a real problem-I think only once I saw a bunch of overly excited preteen boys running on one of the decks but that was only ONCE and heck I was pretty excited myself about being on that cruise so I could easily forgive them.

 

We loved the adult only pool and hot tubs, and the lounges the Cadilliac and Route 66 and the great entertainment they had for adults only. We laos loved our balcony cabin which was super roomy and even had a privacy curtain-which was great for 3 adults.

[mycruz]

Hi Momofmeg,

 

What did you thing about the adult section of Castaway Cay? I didn't mention that in my first posting and it isn't something that was covered in the initial post.

I was glad to see it available, even though we are not really beach types...already have had one bout with melanoma so I really watch the sun. However, the cabanas for the spa treatments on the beach is a really nice touch. When we sailed on Princess and stopped at their island, we didn't even get off the ship. We took advantage of in port rates at the spa and had the ship almost to ourselves that day!

I also have to agree with an earlier post, I would take kids on any other cruise line. Disney has it right! As for all the challenges the earlier post had on their cruise, I feel really bad for the experience, I hope the let DCL know about their disappointment.

Again, Princess in nice and we enjoy ourselves on their ships, but is isn't the same as Disney.

Mary

[LifesLikeThat]

Taking a TA's whirlwind tour is one thing but actually sailing the vessel is completly different. I can look at mojodani review and feel confident that I am getting info based on real life experiences rather than a review based on an hour or 2 of you being onboard. If you would have left out the "highly recommend" part then I likey would have no prob with you review other than its of your typical style and reads as if it were in a brochure. Perhaps after you cruise her your recommendation will be more valid.

 

But then again, knowing how you scammed Princess in the past kind of gives you the reputation for not being completly honest doesn't it?

 

I expect that you will have me banned for saying the above even tho the details of what I claim are readily available and infact were provided by you.

[CruiseFever]

Life'sLikeThat, may I call you "life"?

 

Life- I feel like we're becoming old buddies these days. You've devoted every single one of your posts to replying in your own special style to something I wrote.

 

Should I be scared?

 

Do I need body guards? Can they be pretty?

 

You gotta admit it is kinda weird. Out of all these threads on all these boards you chase me to there's not ANYTHING else that interests you but me?

 

Nothing?

 

Dude, you need to turn off the computer for a while.

 

Doctors orders!

 

:)

[dosi]

opened by mistake.... :p :D .

[KKB]

Apparently Life doesn't realize that we are all generally friendly to each other on these posts, and basically if we have nothing positive to say, we keep our mouths shut (or find a very tactful way to say it!)

After our first cruise--that you were also on!--on Princess, we feel very spoiled! MIL is taking the whole darn family on Disney Magic this Xmas. I was thrilled to get a cruise for an Xmas present, but a bit skeptical--not a Disney freak or anything. We'll take the kids to DisneyWorld one day, but once should be enough!

I have been getting more excited w/ all my research, boards, etc. But having spent several months on a cruise meet board w/ you, I very much respect your opinion.

You have further increased my comfort level w/ this cruise! Personally I don't think I would pay so much more for Disney--but I also don't think I will be taking my children on any more cruises w/ us for a while. It does sound like Disney will be the best for this--doubt we will see much of our children!

I think we will miss the casino, but there are always many other activities, and lounging at the pool is always good!

Thanks, again, Chris!

I really appreciate your viewpoint!

Kristin :p

[tekmnky]

I'm new to cruising so my opinions may not carry much weight just yet, but I fully agree with Chris. I sailed Disney Wonder for a 3 night Bahamian cruise this past March and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I just booked another cruise on the Wonder for myself and 4 extended-family members.

 

It may be heretical to say, but I've never been a big fan of the Mouse. But the whole enterprise from theme parks to cruises is pretty impressive and I'm glad I chose DCL for my first cruise. The style is laid-back and fits my style of living. I never had any "kids" issues and the amenities were more than I expected from a "family-oriented" cruise experience.

 

I fully intend to sail on the Magic in the coming year for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise. My hat is off to Disney and to Chris for an accurate description of Disney cruising.

 

Bill

[NCmom]

I have cruised DCL 5 times, RCL once.

 

I agree that the difference is in the small touches. In my 5 cruises on DCL, only one time did I have a glitch--and that was due to the hurricane shortened cruise, which sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale, instead of Port Canaveral--most of the problems were due to unfamiliarity with the port. On RCL, I had 5 negative encounters with crew, including one with a guest services person who left me in tears.

 

Adult activities: I found myself bored on my RCL cruise, often circling one or two activities each day--on DCL, I often find myself deciding between two activities in the same hour.

 

Adult beach--castaway cay. I enjoyed Serenity Bay, but I didn't love it. The times I have been there, the tide was very low, so you had to walk pretty far out to get into any depth of water. There was also more seaweed there than at the family beach. The setting for the massages was wonderful though. I loved the view from the cabana. (didn't care for the actual massage, but loved the cabana). I enjoyed riding bikes with my DD and saw some beautiful scenery. I obviously love DCL, but will be trying NCL in Hawaii this summer.

[Capt_BJ]

I must ask how you can "highly recommend" a cruise line when you have never actually sailed it? Thats like recommending a book by simply looking at its cover or recommending a car you have never actually driven.

 

Making at statement like that may make good copy and perhaps please Disney but the statement holds no water.

 

Are you saying that no travel agent can recommend anything unless they've "done it"? That's gonna cut into their business!

 

I find the review amazingly accurate for a TA tour. True, talk to one who's been there done that. But I'll tell ya - that unique bad experiences/events aside - this was a pretty good review when I match it up to my experiences. When I throw out the highs and the lows....this is pretty accurate.... And while I'm ABSOLUTELY SURE I don't hold the record for most DCL trips, I think I'm above average - and have, by virture of my profession - a more critical eye than most.

 

DCL ain't perfect - but I've been willin' to stroke the check a few times....

[kelleyd]

I am about to put all my money down on the Disney Magic for Jan 2006. I have been reading everything I could get my hands on and several times I have been tempted to take my deposit back. Here is where I am coming from...

First cruise with the kids was on Celebrity Horizon. Pretty cheap out of Tampa to Western Carib. Also took MIL. Anyway I was sooo worried about the kids having a good time.

The kids had a wonderful time in the kids club!!! Counselors were great and all spoke english (will get to this later). Kids wanted to hang out there most of the time. All counselors remembered there name and although at times seem frazzled seme to enjoy what they were doing. Keep in mind the room was tiny - so they had them all over the ship doing activities.

Food in the dining rooms was excellent! We had the most attentive servers. At the pool areas there was always someone around to see if we needed anything.

Negatives: pool was not great for kids. They basically hung to the side for their dear lives. That was basically it. Buffet food was just eh. Not great. Always someone there to take our trays and carry them for us.

 

So then we decided to take the kids on the new Carib. Princess. Movies under the stars - how exciting. Well the kids just kind of liked the kids club. Really didn't care for it. Could be because the counselors bairly spoke english and seemed to want to have conversations amongst themselves. The kids club area was huge and colorful however I was dissapointed to find the kids playing the computer or watching a video everytime I picked them up. I think they logged more time on the computer then they do at home. It drove me crazy! I would ask what they did and of course I always got the - nothing - response. On Celebrity they always had something to tell us. Now the movie under the stars was kind of a wash - we had rain at least 5 nights out of the week. Very difficult to get a seat with partial covering.

Dining room service was just eh. I liked being able to dine whenever - but that left the service to be a little lame. We had a great server when it was the four of us, but weren't allowed to sit there when it was just 2. That is when the service was lousy.

Staff in the pool areas always seemed to be dissapointed if you flagged them down for a drink.

The buffet was horendous. You need just one line. Instead food seemed to be broken into stations...so everyone would just merge where they felt like it. Very difficult to teach children manners when they get someones big butt in their face as they are getting cut in from of. Also I was alomst apologizing when I would ask the wait staff for a drink - they seemed so put out and forget about any help with the trays.

 

So that said - now we are on for Disney. I hope the children enjoy the kids club. I will enjoy not having to check my watch every ten minutes to make sure its not time to pick them up. I hope the food isn't as bad as some reviewers have written. I hope the kids club folks speak english. I hope that the kids can see shows and characters without getting a big adult butt in their face as they are getting cut.

 

On another note - isn't a casino for adults very similar to an arcade for children? At least in the casino you have a chance to win some back...

 

Also - we are a group of 6 traveling - 2 kids, parents and the grandmothers. We have a deposit for 2 adjoining Cat. 10 staterooms. For the price I have for all 6, I have found very few cruises that are cheaper. And if they are they are only $300-$400 cheaper total. True - I have not looked at Carnival but I wasn't going to do that anyway...

 

And Chris - if you could tell me if you posted those kids club activites anywhere I would appreciate it. We will have an 8 year old and 10 year old.

Thanks

Kelley

[mojodani]

I am about to put all my money down on the Disney Magic for Jan 2006. I have been reading everything I could get my hands on and several times I have been tempted to take my deposit back. Here is where I am coming from...

First cruise with the kids was on Celebrity Horizon. Pretty cheap out of Tampa to Western Carib. Also took MIL. Anyway I was sooo worried about the kids having a good time.

The kids had a wonderful time in the kids club!!! Counselors were great and all spoke english (will get to this later). Kids wanted to hang out there most of the time. All counselors remembered there name and although at times seem frazzled seme to enjoy what they were doing. Keep in mind the room was tiny - so they had them all over the ship doing activities.

Food in the dining rooms was excellent! We had the most attentive servers. At the pool areas there was always someone around to see if we needed anything.

Negatives: pool was not great for kids. They basically hung to the side for their dear lives. That was basically it. Buffet food was just eh. Not great. Always someone there to take our trays and carry them for us.

 

So then we decided to take the kids on the new Carib. Princess. Movies under the stars - how exciting. Well the kids just kind of liked the kids club. Really didn't care for it. Could be because the counselors bairly spoke english and seemed to want to have conversations amongst themselves. The kids club area was huge and colorful however I was dissapointed to find the kids playing the computer or watching a video everytime I picked them up. I think they logged more time on the computer then they do at home. It drove me crazy! I would ask what they did and of course I always got the - nothing - response. On Celebrity they always had something to tell us. Now the movie under the stars was kind of a wash - we had rain at least 5 nights out of the week. Very difficult to get a seat with partial covering.

Dining room service was just eh. I liked being able to dine whenever - but that left the service to be a little lame. We had a great server when it was the four of us, but weren't allowed to sit there when it was just 2. That is when the service was lousy.

Staff in the pool areas always seemed to be dissapointed if you flagged them down for a drink.

The buffet was horendous. You need just one line. Instead food seemed to be broken into stations...so everyone would just merge where they felt like it. Very difficult to teach children manners when they get someones big butt in their face as they are getting cut in from of. Also I was alomst apologizing when I would ask the wait staff for a drink - they seemed so put out and forget about any help with the trays.

 

So that said - now we are on for Disney. I hope the children enjoy the kids club. I will enjoy not having to check my watch every ten minutes to make sure its not time to pick them up. I hope the food isn't as bad as some reviewers have written. I hope the kids club folks speak english. I hope that the kids can see shows and characters without getting a big adult butt in their face as they are getting cut.

 

On another note - isn't a casino for adults very similar to an arcade for children? At least in the casino you have a chance to win some back...

 

Also - we are a group of 6 traveling - 2 kids, parents and the grandmothers. We have a deposit for 2 adjoining Cat. 10 staterooms. For the price I have for all 6, I have found very few cruises that are cheaper. And if they are they are only $300-$400 cheaper total. True - I have not looked at Carnival but I wasn't going to do that anyway...

 

And Chris - if you could tell me if you posted those kids club activites anywhere I would appreciate it. We will have an 8 year old and 10 year old.

Thanks

Kelley

 

 

Kelley,

 

I enjoyed your comments about Celebrity. We saw their crew members handing out cool, moist hand towels to their pax at the Grand Cayman tender station.

 

You will have a great time on Disney. The CMs are pros at customer service. It wasn't our best cruise but we enjoyed the differences that DCL offers. The demographic profile should diminish the buttinskis at the buffet scenario. We witnessed the same situation on the Star Princess. There will be character meeting lines. The character breakfast in Parrot Cay was fun but with lots of interruptions for photographs.

 

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/disneycruiseline/funonboard/activities/activitygroupingindex?id=KidsActivitiesAges8thru12ActGrping is DCL's site for kids' activities.

 

I have the Disney Sea University handout for ages 10-12. We checked out the Lab and had a meeting with a counselor and signed out a beeper on Saturday afternoon. Disney will charge $150. to your shipboard account if the beeper is not returned. The counselors were from South America, South Africa, Canada, Romania and Australia. They spoke English well. Saturday night's activities included a Welcome Extravanganza and a pizza party until MN. Sunday's events were Disney Magic Trivia and Get to Know You Games, ABC Scavenger Hunt, Karaoke, The Incredibles movie, Pinata Party, Dancin' Under the Stars on the sports deck and Lab activities. Other highlights throughout the week were Animation Cells, Lava Flow, Nautical Knots with an Officer, Science Sorcery, Splish Splash private pizza pool party and Celebrate the Journey, a graduation ceremony. The Lab doesn't close for extended times like some of the other cruise lines' clubs. There is no additional charge after 10 PM, either.

 

Check out the DISBoards.com for all things Disney and meet up with others who will be crusing with you.

 

Enjoy your planning!

 

Joni

[MrPete]

How can I highly recommend a cruise line when I have never actually sailed it?

 

Great question, thanks for asking

 

Chris,

I would be REAL nervous if I were you. Or the guy has a crush on you.

 

Your write up matched to my experience of SAILING on the ship, so pay no attention to that man behind the keyboard.

 

I enjoyed reading what you wrote, as it took me back to the ship.

 

I am not a TA, but I had a chance to tour the Triumph when she came into NY before she did her first cruise in 1999. We were sailing on her two months later.

 

We toured the whole ship, and pretty much got a take on what the ship was about. How it ran while "cruising" or how it glided through the water was not important to us.

 

If I had written a review at the time, being a new ship, or to someone who had not sailed it, would have been in the very least helpful.

 

Get some protection!

[sandhillwings]

I hope the children enjoy the kids club. I will enjoy not having to check my watch every ten minutes to make sure its not time to pick them up. I hope the food isn't as bad as some reviewers have written. I hope the kids club folks speak english. I hope that the kids can see shows and characters without getting a big adult butt in their face as they are getting cut.

Hi Kelley. I have sailed on DCL and RCCL. Everyone's cruise experience depends upon what they expect and how well those expectations are met. I was glad that my son didn't care for the Disney kids club. I went on the cruise to be together as a family and Disney provided just the right mix of child and adult activities. But, you see, I enjoy things such as their Navigator series, Behind-The-Scenes tours, cooking & napkin/towel folding demonstrations, character interaction at dinner, rotational dining, dedicated movie theatre with stadium-style seating, separate adult-only areas to keep away the grouchy adults, CMs well-versed in etiquette, family shows of Broadway caliber, a private island I find enchanting, reasonably good food (I, myself, was disappointed in Royal Caribbeans fare)...

 

In my opinion Disney is "worth it," but pretty much any cruise will be what you make of it. Have fun. We did.

 

And oh, yes. Those big adult butts you mentioned. Did you mean they "cut" farts in the little children's faces or the gas was so bad that it cut the kids' skin?

 

I know. I know. Typo. Couldn't resist...

[wish I was cruising]

Hello All:

Sorry to those who have had some issues with DCL but for me and mine, Chris you are right on the money. Listen to MrPete, though. Get some protection. I wanted to say something to you know who but won't waste the words. I would also "highly recommend" Disney for cruising. It is expensive for a single paying for a son. So I had to wait for a good price. I sailed her with my son who was about 13 or 14 at the time. We've sailed together about 20 or so times on several different lines since he was about 7. Disney is well above the others with activities (or no activities), characters showing up everywhere and outstanding service. A vacation, period, will always depend on what you are looking for and I think Disney gives you so many more options than other cruise lines. I love to dance and DCL had great dancing opps and no kids were allowed in that area after a certain time. A variety of music every night. The characters show up at predetermined times but other times you look around and they are standing right behind you. Minnie looked ravishing in her gown for the Christmas photos and then in her bathing suit on the Island. All the characters have "special" resort wear. Chip and Dale, Donald, Goofy and of course Mickey even showed up in their exercise garb one day. Goofy's sneakers were huge. No we did not personally attend any of the Kids club activities but we looked in on them and read all of their daily papers. With 20 other cruises as a basis (before this DS always went to the kids clubs) we can say that if your child doesn't enjoy it then they probably are just children who like to hang with thier parents. Not many kids do and for me the kids programs are a God send. Let them go or not, you have the choce. Let them stay all day and half the night, you have the choice. DS hung in the teen area sometimes and said it was pretty good. The great thing is you can do it all, do a little or do nothing. Having the choice is important to us when we cruise. It's not like a land package where you can go somewhere else if the hotel has nothing to offer. The cruise line has you captive. Didn't have to worry about that. With or without young kids DCL hands down is among one of our favorite cruise lines. We will go on another when the prices are down, of course. :p

 

On a sour note because we sailed a week before Christmas we had more kids than usual and some parents left their "parenting" skills at home. But then when the kids became overwhelming we just went to the adult only areas and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Plus the great rate for that sailing was worth it. My DS was able to find some teens that he could hang with and he and I both enjoyed DCL tremendously. BTW: DCL has some of the largest cabins we have ever seen. And the privacy curtain came in handy for Mom and her DS.

 

 

[Melrosgirl]

Categories 5 and 6 are similar but some take 3 or 4 guests and some have the split bathroom and some do not.

 

I don't think that is accurate. All 5 and 6 categories have the split bathroom. I'm pretty sure all rooms in categories 4-10 have split bathrooms.