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A cruise is a unique travel experience. Traveling in a cruise enriches The Walt Disney Company entered the competitive waters of the Bahamas cruise market with the launching of Disney Magic in 1998.
The ship is a sleekly beautiful vessel reminiscent of the transatlantic steamship era. Disney Magic, however, didn't garner the expected universal applause families with children raved about the experience while adults complained there were no activities for them and even the adult-only areas and private restaurant didn't live up to expectations.
Eventually, the initial high fares for a one-week package combining a three- or four-day cruise with a stay at a Disney Orlando hotel and theme park entrance fees became more reasonably-priced and one can even find bargains. Rates are still higher than competitor Carnival, which has Orlando (Port Canaveral)-based ships catering to families, but you don't get the same Disney shipboard experience. Sister ship Disney Wonder began service on the same itinerary in August, 1999. The original Disney Magic later switched to seven-night cruises and now offers alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. In 2005, Disney Magic will join in the 50th anniversary celebrations for Disneyland in California and will sail to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles for the summer.
The Disney Experience
Mickey and Co. take to the high seas aboard Disney Wonder and Disney Magic in a setting that combines fantasy with art-deco elegance and a hint of the 30's era of transatlantic travel. The company uses the finest Italian marble, fabrics and furnishing, although few will notice Mickey's image is embossed on practically every inch of these vessels, from the ship's funnel to the mouse as the bronze mariner, center stage in the ship's atrium, and the pattern on bedspreads. As one would imagine, this is a very upbeat vacation experience, with three- or four-day cruises passing in the blinking of an eye - families have planned activities from dawn to dusk, although adults who don't love the mouse may find little to do. Both ships visit Nassau and spend a day docked at Disney's private Bahamian fantasy island Castaway Cay.
Aboard these ships there are indeed innovations, including rotation dining which allows guests to sample a different themed restaurant every night. The ships' staterooms are enormous and beautifully appointed, all with a bath-and-a-half, making them especially popular with families. Disney has introduced first-run films onboard that are produced by Disney Studios. There is an adult-only entertainment area, although on my cruise these lounges were empty, plus an adult-only restaurant with gourmet Italian dining. You won't find casinos or discos aboard Wonder and Magic - these vessels are strictly for clean-living families. Food is above average but not outstanding while service is friendly and efficient.
Taking The Kids
As one would imagine, Disney offers the best programs and facilities for children. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder's Oceaneer Club spans nearly an entire deck with supervised programs for children in age groupings of 3-4, 5-7, 8-9 and 10-12. Facilities are open from 900 a.m. to midnight. The older children will find high-tech interactive programs in the Oceaneer Lab. They can compete in a marine biology knowledge quest game show and send digital post cards to friends.
Teens (13-17) have their own private club, a New York-style coffee house plus competitive sports and nighttime activities.
Disney is one of the few lines to offer a nursery for infants and toddlers. Recently, Flounder's Reef Nursery was expanded to include a new reception area, Little Mermaid murals, and enhanced lighting to make it look as if the room is under the sea. Sign up your children on embarkation day. Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks to 3 years old for a fee of $6 per child per hour and $5 per additional child per hour, 2-hour minimum required. The facility's hours vary daily.
At Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, kids have 15-acre snorkeling course above a living reef, supervised games for all age groups, bicycling courses and sailboats, kayaks and rafts for rent.
There is a kids soda program which entitles kids, ages 12 and under, unlimited soda refills. Sold by hosts and hostesses at shipboard lounge areas, the option costs $12 on three-day sailings and $16 on four-day sailings.
There's a good chance you'll see more Disney characters aboard Disney Wonder and Disney Magic than at the theme parks!
Fellow Passengers Disney's primary market is families with children, although you will find more adult couples during school vacation periods.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions tend to be a bit pricey snorkeling is $35 for adults, $25 for children; an evening party for aboard a private boat in Nassau, $25.
Theme Cruise
The annual Film Festival at Sea with Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper takes place in March and features a sail-away cocktail reception with Ebert and Roeper, a preview of their favorite films from the Sundance Film Festival, open discussion with the critics and a book signing.
Tipping
At Disney, gratuities can be charged to your shipboard account. The recommended tipping guidelines are per person per cruise
Three-night cruise
1. Dining Room Server $11.00
2. Dining Room Asst. Server $8.00
3. Dining Room Head Server $2.75
4. Stateroom Host/Hostess $10.75
Four-night cruise
- Dining Room Server $14.75
- Dining Room Asst. Server $10.75
- Dining Room Head Server $3.75
- Stateroom Host/Hostess $14.50
Seven-night cruise
- Dining Room Server $25.75
- Dining Room Asst. Server $18.75
- Dining Room Head Server $ 6.50
- Stateroom Host/Hostess $25.25
On all cruises Dining Manager and Room Service tipping is at the passenger's discretion.
A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs.
Rates
Disney has special offers and packages available. Check with your travel agent. Per person, double occupancy fares start at
- Three-nights, inside $439, outside $589. Third, fourth and fifth in a cabin - infants $99, children 3-12 $229, Other $279.
- Four nights, inside $539, outside $689. Third, fourth and fifth in a cabin - infants $99, children 3-12 $329, Other $379.
- Seven nights, inside $829, outside $1,049. Third, fourth and fifth in a cabin - infants $139, children 3-12 $399, Other $599
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