Disney Cruise Line is one of the largest and most successful cruise lines available today. One of the secrets to Disney Cruise Lines’ success is its fun, family-friendly atmosphere that kids and parents absolutely love. While Disney Cruise Line is known for family fun, there is another side to this cruise line. Disney Cruise Line offers a number of special cruises that can be suitable for couples, singles, and those looking to be pampered during their cruise vacation. It really is possible to enjoy a luxury Disney cruise, if you know which cruises to choose!
Before we tell you about Disney’s special cruises, below is some background information about the worlds most famous cruise line.
Disney Cruise Lines has been in the cruise business for more than a decade and well over half a million people will sail on a Disney Cruise Lines ship each year. Owned by the Walt Disney Company and headquartered in Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Cruise Lines ships were the first in the cruise industry to be designed specifically for families.
Disney Cruise Lines operates the popular Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder can be found at Cruise Terminal 8 — the Disney Cruise Line Terminal. The $27 million, 70,000-square-foot facility terminal was completed and dedicated on November 17, 1997. Disney Cruise Line Terminal is Port Canaveral’s third ultra-modern mega-ship terminal and it is the exclusive home of Magic and Wonder.
Each Disney cruise ship offers a wide variety of accommodations, itineraries, and activities designed specifically for families. Nearly identical in design and space, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature spacious staterooms (875 – Magic, 874- Wonder), themed dining rooms and unique areas of the ship that cater to each age group including: toddlers, young children, tweens, teens and adults. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a small child or an adult, Disney Cruise Line has something for everyone.
Disney Cruise Lines offers a wide variety of cruises to choose from for the passenger seeking a few days at sea or the family on an extended vacation. Disney Wonder sails to Nassau in the Bahamas. Passengers have the option to choose from 3-day and 4-day cruises and packages that include either a 3-4 day stay at the Walt Disney World Resort prior to voyage. There are currently two special 10 and 11-day voyages.
Disney Magic offers several varied itineraries. Vacationers may choose the Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean and special cruises that sail to Disney’s private island paradise Castaway Cay. In March, 2006, Disney announced that Disney magic will offer a special European itinerary summer 2007. 10 and 11-night Mediterranean cruises will depart from Barcelona, Spain and stop at numerous ports in Italy and France. Traditional Disney cruises depart from Disney’s Art Deco-themed terminal in Port Canaveral, Florida.
One of the biggest attractions aboard Disney cruise ships is the Walt Disney Theater. Broadway caliber shows are offered nightly as well as blockbuster Disney movies, variety shows and surprise appearances by some of the most popular Disney characters today. In addition, Disney cruises feature the Buena Vista movie-theater, themed deck parties, shopping galore, ping pong, shuffleboard, lounges, basketball courts, Studio Sea and even Internet service!
Prices for Disney cruises tend to fluctuate, so it is nearly impossible to predict exactly how much a Disney cruise will cost. One of the most important things to consider first is the time of year as this will affect how much or how little passengers will spend. The busiest time of the year is of course, summer. During the summer months expect to pay more and during spring and fall, expect to find killer deals on Disney Cruise Line.
Disney cruise prices are typically based on 2 adults, shared room. If passengers are traveling with a child, they will still pay the same price for two adults. After the initial two-adult price, 3rd and 4th passengers are offered a lower rate. If passengers over the initial two are under 13, the rate may range from $229 – $429 for a 3-day cruise, $329-$529 for a 4-day cruise and $349 – $749 for a 7-day cruise. This price includes land/sea vacations and varies greatly based on season.
If you’re considering booking a cruise on Disney Cruise Lines, it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. Several months in advance is your best bet as the full amount for a Disney cruise is due 90 days prior to sailing. In addition, the farther in advance you book, the better your chances are to lock in significant savings or take advantage of great deals and discounts.
Disney Cruise Lines’ special Bahamian cruises are popular among couples looking for a luxury Disney cruise that also offers a little romance. The 4-Night Bahamian cruise sails from Port Canaveral to Nassau. The ship makes two stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay. The 5-Night Bahamian cruise travels from Florida to Nassau, with two stops and Castaway Cay and one full day at sea. Families typically prefer plenty of stops in popular places such as the Caribbean. This means, the tend to lean towards longer cruises such as Caribbean cruises. So on the shorter Bahamian cruises you will find a limited number of kids, more couples and singles, plenty of spa experiences, and bigger variety of “adult� dining experiences, and relaxing excursions.
Other extremely popular luxury Disney cruises include special Mexican Riviera Cruises. The 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise, the 15-Night Westbound Panama Canal Cruise, and the 15-Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise feature the utmost in luxury, excitement, and pampering. And most of all, you won’t find many families (with small children) on these types of cruises. You will visit places like Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Aruba, Cartagena, Puerto Vallarta and more!
To book a luxury Disney Cruise, visit the official Disney Cruise Line website or contact your local cruise travel agent.