Disney Cruise Line started in 1995 with two ships as a cruise extension of the company's theme park packages, a function previously handled by Premier Cruise Line. The ships sail from Port Canaveral, about a hour's drive east from Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and feature family-friendly vacations, complete with Disney characters and the typical Disney special touches.
Disney Cruise Line operates two ships--the "Disney Magic" (pictured above), christened in 1998, and the "Disney Wonder," christened in 1999. Both ships feature 875 staterooms, pools, multiple dining areas and a variety of activities for both adults and children. Notably absent from Disney ships are onboard casinos.
Two additional ships are scheduled to enter service in 2010 and 2011.
Disney cruises sail from Port Canaveral to ports throughout the Caribbean (and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on three, four, five and seven-night voyages). The line also calls at Castaway Cay, a Disney-owned private island in the Bahamas, where guests can enjoy a day at the beach Disney-style, with Disney characters, a sumptuous beach barbecue buffet and a variety of water sports and Disney-themed non-sports activities. Longer (eight- to 14-night) European and Trans-Atlantic cruises will be available in 2010.
Disney ships feature swimming pools, multiple dining options, nightclubs, showrooms, kids activity centers, spas, libraries and shopping arcades, just to name a few. Unique to Disney ships are a chance to interact with Mickey, Minnie and other Disney characters. Disney ships also offer subtle and fun Disney touches, such as the main dining room that evolves during dinner from a stylish black and white motif to a colorful tableau. You'll also find a generous sampling of hidden Mickeys (those mouse ear-shaped symbols) throughout the ships.
Each Disney Cruise Line stateroom features remote controlled TV, a built-in hair dryer, ample closet space, a cooling box (Disney's version on an in-room refrigerator), an in-room safe, individual climate control and a direct dial telephone with voice messaging capability.
Some staterooms feature a private verandah for enjoying your morning coffee or just watching the ocean scenery.
Disney cruise vacations include transportation to and from the airport, cruise accommodations, all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes. Airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel packages can be added at an additional charge. Prices for Disney cruises start at under $500 per person for an off-season, three-night cruise.
Disney Cruises can be booked by visiting the Disney website (see "Resources"), by calling (800) 951-3532 or by visiting a travel agent that specializes in cruises and/or Disney vacations.
