Disney genuinely offers one of the most unique cruise experiences afloat. The two-ship Disney Cruise Line® is the ultimate family option. Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder® are sister ships that can carry 1,750 passengers each (that's a double occupancy figure, by the way; a truer head count is its maximum, which can handle up to 3,325 folks each, if every berth is occupied). The ships carry the same basic themes throughout, with different individual touches along the way. Disney Magic®, for instance, has an art deco theme, while Disney Wonder® is more art nouveau.
Both ships are based in Port Canaveral, Florida but offer very different itinerary options. Disney Magic® sails seven-night Caribbean itineraries (alternating between Eastern and Western Caribbean), while Disney Wonder® handles three- and four-night trips, limiting its forays to the Bahamas. Both stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's fabulous private island, complete with family and adult-only beaches. Passengers have the option to include a land stay at the theme resort.
With these ships, Disney has introduced a number of innovations. Chief among them are the cabins, many with a bathroom and a half. Another innovation is the rotating dining room schedule, in which passengers eat at three different restaurants, albeit with the same tablemates and wait staff. Disney was the first cruise line to launch the "soda card concept," an idea which has been picked up by various competitors. Equally distinctive is what Disney ships don't have: no casinos, no libraries.
Disney has said that it plans to expand its line beyond the original two ships, and while rumors are constantly abuzz about when the company will make that commitment, as of now it has refused to comment on the topic.
Life Onboard
These ships may be geared to families but they sure are elegant, and quite user-friendly as well. Family-oriented features include the elaborate Walt Disney Theatre, which resembles a plush Broadway house; the Buena Vista Theatre, which features Disney Corporation flicks; and Studio Sea, styled like a television sound stage and offering a forum for G-rated floor shows.
There are three pools. In the center is the main event area, which is geared toward families. There's a younger kid-oriented pool, as well as one for adults only (it's quite tranquil), and an extensive array of sports options.
Older folks have more than just a pool in which to escape. Palo is a boutique eatery featuring Northern Italian cuisine; reserve the minute you get onboard because capacity is entirely too limited. The spa is also off-limits to the younger generation; one of its highlights is the rain forest steam room. There's also an adult-dedicated area of nightclubs, called Beat Street on Disney Magic® and Route 66 on Disney Wonder®. Among the options there are a club for jazz and one for dancing.
Family cabins hold six occupants, but most cabins can handle at least four. Forty-four percent of oceanview cabins have balconies. All cabins come with bathtubs, televisions, safes, and hair dryers.
Fellow Passengers
Due to the extensive activities and options available to children, teens, and adults, the majority of passengers are families and multi-generational groups. Oversized cabins and under-utilized adults-only areas, however, do draw a sprinkling of honeymooners and couples without children.
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