Disney has raised the bar for creative kids’ programming and shore excursions. Plus, its ship designs enable every member of the family — from infants (there is a stand-out nursery) to seniors — to have a real vacation, complete with fireworks at sea. “Dine and Play” means kids are served dinner in an expedited fashion so youth counselors can escort them to organized activities while parents linger. Special shore excursions are designed so parents get a break part of the time.
What’s new: Disney Cruise Line welcomed exciting itineraries last year with the addition of two new home ports in Venice, Italy and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guests can choose from a number of voyages to explore the Greek Isles, soak up the sun in the Caribbean, discover the wonders of Alaska and more.
Disney Magic, the line’s first cruise ship, ups its game this year with re-imagined spaces and entertainment to delight the whole family. Highlights include redesigned upper-deck water thrills including a three-story water slide and toddler splash zones; new restaurants (like the Finding Nemo-inspired Cabanas); and the introduction of Marvel’s Avengers Academy, an immersive play space where children interact with their favorite Marvel superheroes.
For babies: Children ages newborn to three years are welcome at the It’s a Small World and Flounder’s Reef nurseries, where they’ll be cared for by trained counselors ($9/hour for first child, $8/hour for second child from same family). In partnership with online retailer Babies Travel Lite, Disney Cruise Line guests can also pre-order baby supplies for delivery to their staterooms.
For kids: Open to kids ages 3 to 12, the Oceaneer Club is the ultimate destination for creativity and fun. At Marvel’s Avengers Academy, kids join Marvel characters in their latest crime-fighting missions. In Andy’s Room, the stars of "Toy Story" come to life in a multilevel space stocked with Andy’s favorite toys. Kids will also enjoy making crafts and playing games in the Mickey Mouse Club or exploring the world of Tinker Bell and friends at Pixie Hollow. And don’t forget the Oceaneer Lab. This pirate-themed, interactive space features an animator’s studio, Navigator Simulators and more. The Oceaneer Lab has a space theme on Disney Wonder.
For tweens: The 11 to 14 year olds have their own Edge club with flat-screen TVs, the latest video games, theme nights and karaoke.
For teens: Teens 14-17 have their own Vibe club and, on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, their own sundeck. Open all day (and half of the night), the areas are the perfect chill-out spots with comfy couches and flat-screen TVs. Club hours of operation are typically from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, except on the day of embarkation. There are special teen shore excursions like the Wild Side at Castaway Cay, where teens explore, snorkel and go boating around the island.
Around the ship: The ship offers everything from character meals and meet-and-greets to first-run movies and Broadway-caliber entertainment to adult-only restaurants and deck areas. Families love Disney’s private island Castaway Cay with its snorkeling lagoon and kayaking, as well as chances to swim with the stingrays, play in the water park or head to separate adult and teen beaches.
In this series:
- Family Cruise Guide (main article)
- Holland America Line (next article)
