| The
Disney Dream continues the Disney Cruise Line
tradition of blending the elegant grace of early
20th century transatlantic ocean liners with
contemporary design. |
 |
Captain
Jack Sparrow swings down upon the gang of pirates
overtaking the ship. Swords clash before he calms the
rumble and they celebrate with fireworks bursting above.
Sound
like a scene from the next "Pirates of the
Caribbean" flick? It’s actually a night on the
Disney Dream, one of Disney Cruise Line’s fleet. This
take-it-to-the-next-level mentality permeates the cruise
experience.
A
year after its maiden voyage, the Disney Dream sails the
same course, blending state-of-the-art technology and
amenities with a heap of Disney magic. The 1,115-foot long
ship with 1,250 staterooms and suites hauls as many as
4,000 passengers, alternating three- and four- night
cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., to the Bahamas and
Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Four- and
five-night voyages are offered during the summer months.
Consider
the following tips when sailing on the Disney Dream:
—Eat
freely: To bask in some serious service, take advantage of
the nightly dinners included with each voyage. You and the
occupants of your cabin are scheduled to dine in a
different restaurant, but your server is always the same.
—Get
animated: The set mealtime doesn’t always fit every
cruiser’s schedule, but make sure to dine at Animator’s
Palace, one of the three main restaurants. Though the
Royal Palace has a setting fit for Cinderella and the
Enchanted Garden looks like something out of Versailles,
Animator’s Palate is like stepping into an animation
studio for a bite.
—Splurge
on Remy: Since the main dining restaurants are included,
budget-minded cruisers may balk at paying for a meal. The
adults-only pay restaurants offer a snazzier date night
alternative. Palo, an Italian-themed Disney Cruise Line
favorite, makes a return appearance. The French-inspired
Remy gets top billing with romantic surroundings and
gourmet indulgences.
—Always
‘Believe’: Oodles of entertainment is available,
including a full-size movie theater featuring first-run
flicks. The nightly stage shows have Broadway-style
production values, each with a Disney theme. Although all
are endearing, the not-to-miss show of the bunch is
"Disney’s Believe." Duck in The AquaDuck Water
Coaster is a favorite. From the top deck, it propels
guests 42 inches and taller on a 765-foot long ride
through a huge acrylic tube up, down, over the side and
around the ship. Lines can be long, but the wait lessens
at night or while the Dream is at port.
—Go
adult: A common misconception is that it’s all about
kids. Adult options are plentiful, from a full-service spa
to an adults-only pool. The District is an entire
nighttime entertainment area for those 18 and older
featuring a sports pub, live performances, a champagne bar
and a dance club. Skyline features an ever-changing
skyline.
—Let
the kids be kids: Disney characters are available for
photo ops and autographs throughout the cruise. Keep tabs
on appearance times and other special events by reading
the "Personal Navigator," a daily publication
available in each stateroom.
Children
have their own age-appropriate retreats overseen by
counselors, and parents must go through a strict check-out
policy to ensure each child is in the right hands.
It’s
a Small World Nursery is a haven for infants and toddlers
ages 3 months to 3 years.
Disney’s
Oceaneer Club caters to 3 to 10 year olds. Hot spots
include playgrounds with Disney characters and the
interactive Magic PlayFloor. Those on the older end of
that spectrum may appreciate the adjacent Disney’s
Oceaneer Lab with computer games and the Animator’s
Studio.
Tweens,
ages 11 to 13, kick back at Edge, a lounge boasting video
karaoke and a lighted dance floor.
Teens
ages 14 to 17 hang out in Vibe, a 9,000-square-foot club
with video games, a hands-on DJ station, movie room and
private sundeck.
—Castaway
Cay: On Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway
Cay, you can simply soak up sun on the sprawling beaches.
Teenagers and younger ones have their own respective areas
just like on the ship. Some go high-end and rent a private
cabana or get up close and personal with stingrays. An
affordable way to make the most out of Castaway Cay is to
explore the snorkel lagoon. All-day equipment rental,
which includes a mask, snorkel, snorkel vest and fins,
runs $25 for ages 10 and older, and $10 ages 5 to 9. The
snorkel lagoon includes oodles of tropical fish, and
man-made reefs include faux sunken ships and statues of
Minnie and Mickey.
———
IF
YOU GO:
Disney
Dream Cruises operate year-round. Rates for three- and
four-night Bahamian cruises start at $450 per person for a
standard inside stateroom, $450 for ocean view and $499
for a verandah stateroom. Each price is based on double
occupancy and excludes government taxes and fees.
GETTING
THERE: Those who fly into Orlando International Airport
can take the Disney motor coach to Port Canaveral. It’s
$35 each way for guests ages 3 and older. It can be
pre-booked or scheduled the day of arrival.
For
more information call 1-888-325-2500 or visit