Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Smooth Sailing

Disney Cruise Line recently announced its itineraries for 2015, and it’s got me wishing for another ocean voyage with the company. We enjoyed our first and (so far) only Disney cruise on the Dream last fall, an experience that exceeded our expectations.


Not surprisingly, Disney’s attention to detail stands out, whether it’s the space-saving designs of its staterooms or the staffers standing at the entrance to all of the restaurants passing out hand wipes (a relief to this mom who’d read too much about norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships). There were almost too many activities from which to choose, from the upper-deck mini-golf course and frequent photo ops with Disney characters to the first-run movies and nightly Broadway-style productions.

 
After a tour of the space before we left port, Lindsay couldn’t wait to spend time in the Oceaneer Club and Lab, two of the ship’s kids’ clubs. So one night we dropped her off there and, with one of the ship’s phones in hand, enjoyed an adult dinner overlooking the ocean at Palo. We returned to find her with a face-painted, pirate eye patch and lots of stories about the new friends she made while crafting, playing games, and dressing up like Tinker Bell and other Disney heroines.

 
There’s almost no need to leave the ship; it would take days to see and do everything on board. But you don’t want to miss Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Free fun includes two water play areas and alfresco game zones (think table tennis, foosball, shuffleboard), while excursion options range from parasailing and kayaking to snorkeling with stingrays.

 
If you’re not into magical mice or think a Disney cruise would be nothing but a floating preschool, think again. Sure, there will be lots of families on the ship, but there are plenty of adult-only spots and activities to entertain even the biggest curmudgeons. Don’t believe me? Read this story I wrote on Disney cruises for adults for Gulf & Main magazine and use it to convince your kiddo’s childless uncle or grumpy grandpa to join in on the fun.


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