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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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TODAY exclusive: Disney Cruise Line plans 3-D theaters Also see Press Release below.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about her recent cruise aboard the Ruby Princess: "If you've been reading this newsletter for a while then you know I'm a big-time cruise addict. I would be perfectly content living on a ship permanently. (Actually, I did live and work on one for five years after college.) It's also no secret that sometimes travel agents are offered great deals in order to get them to come take a look and, hopefully, follow the trip by telling all their clients how great it was. Well, when Princess Cruise Line sent me an invitation about six weeks ago to spend two nights onboard the brand new Ruby Princess for FREE I jumped at the chance. Just as Princess knows how to take care of their passengers, they know how to take care of their travel agents. My guest and I were given a gorgeous balcony cabin, treated to an open bar for both days, and even had the cost of our gratuities and parking taken care of. You can visit Princess.com to see a video of the christening ceremony that took place that evening. It was hosted by a variety of celebrities and dignitaries including Gavin MacLeod (Capt. Stubing of Love Boat fame) and the ship's godparents, Trista and Ryan Sutter (from The Bachelorette) who had the honor of pushing the button that sent the traditional bottle of champagne crashing onto the ship's hull. In this case, it actually crashed into a wall, but it was still impressive. The entire area was doused in red lighting and filled with red roses. We'd all been asked to wear red formal attire so the overall effect was stunning. Following the ceremony we spent the evening dining, exploring the ship, watching movies on deck (Movies Under the Stars originated with the Princess line), and attending shows. Nearly everyone was dressed to the nines so it was very reminiscent of the cruising days of old. (These days, most people don't go all out even on the designated formal night, but I think they felt obligated in this instance.) The ship departed Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades very late, but we spent all of day number two at sea, giving us a chance to check out the casino and shops and, of course, eat more. The evening's entertainment started with an ABBA tribute band (really good if you like ABBA) and then a late night rock concert starring the ship's musicians which was outstanding. The entertainment on this short cruise exceeded any I've seen on board before. The food was, as always with Princess, excellent. We did both lunch and breakfast at the buffet and enjoyed both. We had our other lunch and the first dinner in the dining room... again, excellent food and really great service (especially considering we were their first passengers). Princess continues to have the best pizza at sea. Dinner two was late night at the bistro (back area of the buffet) and they did a nice job with offering variety. The specialty restaurants were closed for our short trip, but they're always worth the extra charge. We didn't try any of the poolside burgers this time or the ice cream, but I admit to being a little disappointed in the gelato from the piazza. We also tried afternoon tea in the dining room and found that, while it was fine, we missed the phenomenal scones we've had on Princess ships before. By the way, I'm in search of a great scone recipe so please write me if you have one. :) The most notable thing was the ship herself. It was the first time we'd been on one that new... not a dent or a scratch anywhere! Every piece of flatware was like a mirror, every sheet and towel pristine, and the teak decks and furniture have yet to be faded by the sun. It's sort of like riding in a brand new car - but a LOT bigger. Princess ships built in the last ten years have all followed the same basic layout and the public areas all have the same names, so if you like one of their ships you'll not only like the others, but also quickly find your way around. The newer ones do have differences, though - most notably, the adults-only solarium which is sort of like an extension of the spa, and the piazza at the base of the atrium which features specialty coffees and combination deli/bistro/bakery fare throughout the day. (Older ships are being retrofitted with these elements.) The children and teen areas are also great on Princess ships... Plenty for kids of all ages to do both with and without their parents. Princess is currently offering a great deal on cruise upgrades for next year, and (as you might guess) there are some wonderful prices to be found right now. Deposits are usually minimal and are fully refundable until your final payment date so it's worth taking advantage of the bargains. You can always cancel later if you change your mind. Please drop me a note if you have any cruising questions." (Affordable Disney members should log in for Beth's contact info.)
Disney Cruise Line Premieres First-Ever 3-D Cinematic Experience at Sea CELEBRATION, Fla. - Disney Cruise Line is revolutionizing movie entertainment at sea with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience premiering exclusively onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Guests will delight as first-run Disney films leap off the silver screen and take on a whole new dimension thanks to Disney Digital 3-D technology being added to both the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre. Disney Cruise Line is the first cruise line to introduce 3-D entertainment onboard its ships. Disney Digital 3-D will premiere onboard the Disney Wonder during the Nov. 20 sailing and on the Disney Magic during the Dec. 6 sailing. Leveraging this new technology, Disney Cruise Line will take 3-D into uncharted waters in early 2009 with the debut of an exciting new cinematic experience that combines full length Disney Digital 3-D films with in-theatre effects. Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to create an immersive movie-going experience like no other at sea. During these once-a-cruise special engagements, guests will feel the rush of being part of hottest show in town as in-theatre effects enhance 3-D films featuring popular Disney popstars in concert. "With Disney Digital 3-D we can provide extraordinary cinematic experiences for our guests that no other cruise line can offer,” said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. "Innovation and high-quality family entertainment are Disney Cruise Line hallmarks, and the addition of Disney Digital 3-D perfectly complements our industry-leading collection of entertainment options already onboard our ships.” Disney Cruise Line will celebrate the debut of Disney Digital 3-D by hosting a special screening event for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest animated feature, "Bolt,” onboard the Nov. 20 three-night Disney Wonder cruise. As the calendar turns from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, guests will be invited to a special midnight screening of "Bolt” at the Walt Disney Theatre - complete with meet-and-greet opportunities with lovable walk-around characters from the film. The film features super-dog Bolt (voice of John Travolta), whose every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue - at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions - a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of Mark Walton) - Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. "Disney Cruise Line picked the perfect time to introduce Disney Digital 3-D to its guests," said Mark Zoradi, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group. " ‘Bolt’ kicks off an extraordinary lineup of 3-D movies debuting over the course of the next year, including ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience,’ Disney*Pixar’s ‘Up,’ ‘G-Force,’ Disney*Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol.’ The 3-D immersive experience is better than ever." Disney Digital 3-D is the latest enhancement to join the robust menu of premium guest experiences and amenities included with a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Dazzling Broadway-style musical spectaculars, over-the-top deck parties with the only fireworks display at sea, a unique rotational dining concept, first-run movie releases and fantastic kids programming are just some of the advantages of cruising with Disney. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs. Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available. (Source: Press Release, 11/17/08) |
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A Frightfully Good Time Awaits Disney Cruise Line Guests this Halloween CELEBRATION, Fla. - Disney Cruise Line will treat guests sailing over the Halloween holiday to a spook-tacular good time as the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder transform into a ghoulish wonderland filled with hair-rising events and activities. Guests of all ages will delight with special decorations, unique menu items in the restaurants and themed dance parties on deck The Halloween happenings take place on the Disney Magic cruise departing Oct. 25 and on the Disney Wonder cruise departing Oct. 30. Here is a glimpse at the treats awaiting guests this Halloween: Trick-or-Treat Trail: Young guests will be invited to participate in a trick-or-treat hunt exploring multiple decks of the ship and collecting candy from various stations. Haunted Parties: Following the trick-or-treat hunt, families will gather at the Goofy Pool for a fun-filled Halloween costume party - Disney Cruise Line style. The world-famous Disney Characters will join in the fun, wearing special Halloween costumes just for the occasion. For adults, the nighttime entertainment district on the Disney ships becomes the ghoulish setting for a costume contest and party sure to bring chills to everyone. Spooky Movies: To get guests into the spirit of the season, the Buena Vista Theatre will host special showings of Walt Disney Pictures’ The Haunted Mansion and Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ghoulish Delights: Disney Cruise Line chefs have conjured some very special treats for Halloween, including: Pumpkin Cheesecake, spider cupcakes and "Witch’s Brew." (Source: Press Release 10/08)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about 2010 Disney cruises: 1. 2010 itineraries will become available for booking on Tuesday, October 14. This is for cruise-only reservations; land/sea and group space will be out later. 2. New for 2010: northern Europe These are 12-night cruises out of Dover, England on the Disney Magic in June and July. Ports include Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Warnemunde (for Berlin, Germany), and St. Petersburg (with optional excursion to Moscow). Pricing for an inside category 11 cabin start at $3649 p/p (based on double occupancy). Rates for a category 11 inside cabin are from $2529 (based on double occupancy). 3. Also for summer 2010: Mediterranean The Magic will also be doing 10- and 11-night Med cruises from Barcelona similar to the ones a few years ago, but with three new ports: Tunis, Malta and Corsica (in addition to ports in Italy, France and Spain). These will be in April, May, August, and September. 4. There are 4 repositioning cruises as well. These include two 14-night trans-Atlantic trips and two 8-night cruises between Dover and Barcelona. I haven't seen pricing on those yet. 5. The Disney Wonder will also be making some changes for summer 2010. She will be doing 5- night cruises that include Nassau, Key West and Castaway Cay (or 2 stops in Castaway Cay instead of Key West). Pricing on the 5-nighters starts at $899 p/p. There will also be 4-nighters that start at $849 p/p... again, both based on category 11 inside cabins and double occupancy. *** Anytime new itineraries are released the first day of booking is insane. The pricing goes up by the minute. Those interested should provide booking info (legal names, dates of birth, address, phone #, Castaway numbers) if interested along with the itinerary and approximate date/cabin category desired. We'll do our best to book right when the trips are released for the very best pricing. We MAY also be able to offer an additional incentive of onboard credits. No idea what happened to the rumor of New York itineraries for summer '10... Perhaps they just tossed those out to mislead us! The new itineraries are loaded onto the agent website now and should be up soon for the consumer site. Please let me know if you have any questions."
Beth's services are only available to those with paid Affordable Disney
Memberships. Members should log in at our private password-protected site
for Beth's contact info.
Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Russia, Northern Europe and Mediterranean in 2010 In response to guest demand, Disney Cruise Line will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010. With a wide variety of European itineraries in 2010, families have the ability to explore exotic and unexpected destinations with the safety and comfort of traveling with Disney Cruise Line, the leader in family cruising. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience breathtaking fjords, historic city centers and Viking lore at enchanting Scandinavian ports such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. The Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing Disney Cruise Line guests time to experience the city known as the "Cultural Capital of Russia" or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow. "The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver." Departing out of Dover, England, the Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when Disney Cruise Line last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France known as the birthplace of Napoleon. "The response from guests who sailed on our Mediterranean voyages in 2007 was overwhelmingly positive," said McAlpin. "We’re thrilled to bring the ship back and look to make the 2010 season in the Mediterranean even better, with new destinations and more one-of-a-kind Disney experiences for our guests." Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Disney Cruise Line will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.
Disney Magic 2010 European Schedule
11-Night Mediterranean: 4/24, 5/15, 8/7, 8/28 Disney Wonder 2010 Schedule The Disney Magic isn’t the only Disney ship embarking on new itineraries in 2010. For the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will shift to four- and five-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate guests looking for slightly longer cruises with Disney Cruise Line while children are enjoying their summer break. Rates for the special five-night voyages to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay start at $899 per person, while the four-night voyage begins at $849 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Disney Wonder Summer 2010 Schedule
4-Night Bahamian Cruise
5-Night Double Castaway Cruise
5-Night Key West Cruise Guests will be able to book all Disney Cruise Line itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14. (Source: Press Release, 10/05/08)
Beth, our travel agent, writes: Don't' forget that October is NATIONAL CRUISE VACATION MONTH, the highlight of which is The World's Largest Cruise Night on October 16. Last year, nearly 35,000 cruise bookings nationwide were made as part of the event! The event is sponsored by Cruise Lines International Organization (CLIA) and nearly every major cruise line is a member. They'll all be offering specials like reduced rates, lower deposit requirements, onboard credits, free air, and so on. This is a great time to be planning your 2009 cruise vacation. Next year there are a LOT of new ships hitting the market, so if you've never cruised before it's the perfect time to start. Cruising remains one of the very best vacation values available. As soon as we get the details on what the lines will be offering I'll pass it on, but in the meantime feel free to let me know if you have questions about cruising. I'll be running the 'virtual' version of this event, so make a note on your calendar and plan to spend some time online that evening when you get home from work. (Actually, the event runs all day long, so I can get your information in advance if it's more convenient for you.)
Beth, our travel agent, filed this cruise report: "Those of you that have booked cruises with me know that I'm a cruise-aholic. Give me a good deal and I'm there. That's exactly what Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) did so I took them up on the offer and spent this past weekend on the Norwegian Sky. Given that combining your Florida land vacation with a cruise vacation is becoming a very "in" thing to do, I thought readers maybe interested in a quick overview. First, a bit of history. This ship was originally being built for Costa. For reasons I no longer recall, NCL agreed to purchase the ship if a few changes were made - one of them being to add a lot more balcony cabins. As a result, the balconies are small and the doors to them are a little odd. If you happen to be in a cabin that sleeps three and are using the sofa bed as your third berth, you can't even get to the balcony unless you crawl across the bed. In other words, the cabins are small. Otherwise, though, the ship (newly refurbished) is in great shape and most of the public areas are lovely. The crew is friendly, but not terribly well trained and they lack that "whatever it takes to make you happy" attitude that pours forth from crew members on other lines. Casual is the name of the game here, but we were amazed how many crew members' official uniforms were t-shirts! We were also amazed at how many people wore t-shirts and flip-flops and baseball caps to dinner, even in the nicest of restaurants. You can leave your sequins and tuxedos at home 'cause you sure won't need 'em here! Dining was a bit of a disappointment. Most cruisers live for the buffets, and we also enjoy them occasionally. We had a balcony cabin so we were permitted to dine at a buffet in one of the dining rooms for breakfast. Good thing because the main breakfast buffets were boring with a capital B. So was the dining room version, but at least there was more variety from the menu. This is the first ship I've been on where pizza was somewhat hard to come by, being offered only for a few hours a day. The lines for burgers and dogs blocked a big section of the main buffet area, so the already small, cramped spaces were made even more so by that logistical blunder. The salad bar section was nearly nonexistent, and although there were two sides to both the inside and outside buffets, most items were repeated on both sides (and both buffets) so there were few unique items to choose from. My daughter, who will eat nearly anything, actually had a hard time finding things she was willing to try. Finally, no ice carvings, no fruit carvings, no spectacular displays of food... Just small line-ups of average buffet food. No where near what you see with any other major line. For dinner there are three specialty restaurants you have to pay extra for ($10-$25 per person) and they are worth every dime, although the regular dining rooms are OK, too. We just found the service in the regular dining rooms to be slow, and at peak times both main dining rooms have long waits. (NCL uses "freestyle dining" so you can eat whenever you want to, but if that's when everyone else wants to eat you'll wait a long time. Princess executes this concept MUCH better.) So for reliably better food and better service, pay the extra for the specialty places. The entertainment was decent. Not stellar, but a good way to spend 45-60 minutes of your evening. The brand new casino is very small and smoking is permitted so it gets hard to breath pretty fast. The pools and hot tubs are adequate and there are plenty of deck chairs. We didn't try the spa and the fitness center, but both look nice. The kids' center leaves a bit to be desired (mostly blocks, movies, and Wii - no computers, limited craft projects), but my daughter (age 10) liked it - and it was worth $5/hour to use the service while in port and after 10:30 PM. (Otherwise it's free.) When in port they offer the typical shore excursions at the typical high prices. NCL's private island (Great Stirrup Cay) is truly not up to snuff compared to others. It's fine if you have nothing to compare to, but we had to wait a VERY long time to tender ashore (even though it was late morning already) so we were a bit grumpy to start with. If I ever go there again I'll be staying on the ship. There is just one large gift and duty free shop, but two (small) jewelry stores. It was a short cruise and we weren't there to shop so that didn't bother us. The late night deck parties, billed as major events, were little more than dancing to live salsa music - which is fine, but again, not what you get from other cruise lines. The bottom line is that this ship runs 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami so it competes with both Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I'd say Royal Caribbean wins this market hands-down, even though they ships they have doing the short cruises are older. I'm not a Carnival fan, but I'd even suggest Carnival over NCL *unless* you could get a great deal... and there are plenty of those to be had. Florida residents were booking this cruise from about $200 per person total for an inside cabin, slightly more for an oceanview or balcony. Non-resident rates were just a little higher - and kids can sometimes sail for as little as $99 each plus taxes and fees. So if you understand what you're getting and you have an amazing rate, go for it! If you can do Royal Caribbean, or even Carnival, for just a little more, though, that's the way I'd go. *** Don't forget that The World's Largest Cruise Night is October 16. We'll have great "one day only" deals, reduced deposit requirements and more for that night, so if you're thinking about a 2008 or 2009 cruise let's start talking NOW so you're ready!"
Beth, our travel agent, writes about taking a cruise during hurricane season: "I just finished reading a story about passengers aboard a Carnival ship that are furious over the fact that their Eastern Caribbean cruise is now taking them to - of all places - Newport, RI, instead, thanks to the approach of tropical storm Hanna. As such, I feel I need to reiterate once again that when you choose to travel during hurricane season you have to accept the fact that a certain amount of "adventuresome spirit" may be required. Rarely does anyone read all that tiny print known as the "cruise contract" or "tour contract," but somewhere buried in all that legal stuff is a section that says that the cruise or tour operator has the right to change your itinerary and/or available activities if, in their opinion, they need to do so in order to protect you and/or their property - and they can do so for any reason, not just weather. That means that a ship's captain can choose to change the order of ports, skip ports, or even take you to somewhere else entirely. Less commonly, your cruise may be cut short or suddenly increase in length if the ship can't get safely back into port on schedule. In the case of Walt Disney World, they retain the right to close their parks and order you to your room. Whatever it takes to keep you safe. Chances are good that you got a really great price on your hurricane season vacation. There's a reason for that, and you knew it when you booked. Of course, you probably assumed at the time that you wouldn't have to deal with bad weather - and the majority of travelers luck out. You, however, may not be among the lucky. And no, you are not entitled to a refund if that happens. If you have a problem with that concept, look into "cancel for any reason" insurance coverage. Admittedly, such unexpected changes can have a dramatic effect on your vacation. Cruise and tour companies are aware of that and don't take the decision to change things lightly. You need to trust your captain - or Mickey, as the case may be. They aren't making the changes to intentionally ruin your trip. Do exactly what they tell you to do - and then make the best of it. Attitude is everything when it comes to salvaging your trip."
Disney announces new European cruise tours
"Hanna-caused detour prompts 'mutiny' on Carnival Miracle."
"Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve in Alaska revealed last
week that Disney is one of half a dozen cruise companies that have submitted
proposals seeking contracts to sail in the park sometime between Jan. 1,
2010, and Sept. 30, 2019."
Disney is expecting fuel costs to exceed $20 million this year.
Consequently, they are looking for ways to cut costs, like changing the order
of stops, making its ships more fuel efficient, and traveling at slower
speeds.
Disney Cruise Line Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as a Finalist in the Magazine’s 2008 World Savers Awards CELEBRATION, Fla., - Condé Nast Traveler magazine recently honored Disney Cruise Line as a finalist in four categories of the 2008 World Savers Awards ecognizing Disney’s commitment to community outreach and environmental conservation. The awards honor travel companies around the world in areas of leadership and social responsibility and focus on five key categories: Poverty Alleviation, Cultural and/or Environmental Preservation, Education, Wildlife and Health. Disney Cruise Line was named as a runner-up in the Wildlife category for their involvement with the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) which has distributed over $11 million to fund conservation programs and engage communities in protecting wildlife in more than 110 countries. Disney was also recognized for a long-term research project in the Bahamas, where researchers are transplanting long-spined sea urchins to control algae and encourage coral reef health and sustainability. Honorable mentions were also received by Disney Cruise Line in the Cultural and/or Environmental Preservation, Poverty Alleviation, and Education categories, sighting the company’s commitment to community outreach in their ports of call. In 2007, Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members conducted over 65 volunteer projects in 19 port communities. This amounted to more than 6,000 hours of community service and support to local organizations working to make a difference in the lives of children and the environment. Additionally, an ongoing education program has engaged school children in the Cayman Islands to take an active part in preserving their local environments. "It is an honor to be recognized as a leader in these areas," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "This award is significant for us because it not only recognizes our company's dedication to being a responsible business partner, but it also celebrates the individual efforts our cast and crew members have taken part in to positively impact the communities of the ports we visit. The World Savers Awards were determined by 17 judges who reviewed 142 applications and selected 38 finalists to honor as the best in exercising social responsibility. "These finalists are prime examples of how the world's hotels, airlines, cruise lines and tour operators can inspire their peers to improve our world," said Condé Nast Traveler Deputy Editor for Special Projects Dorinda Elliott. This year is the first year that cruise lines were included in the competition. The September issue of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, now on newsstands, features the awards as its cover story. (Source: Press Release, 08/21/08)
"A new Web site called ThemeCruiseFinder.com can help you locate a
theme cruise." Sample themes include: art, astronomy, Christianity, Christmas,
dance, history, and motorcycles.
Beth, our travel agent, shares her thoughts on cruising: "All of a sudden I'm being bombarded by requests for 'great deals on a summer cruise.' I've written many, many times about what a great vacation value cruising is. It seems that more people are finally willing to give it a chance. Bravo! The thing is, they're waiting too long to book. Gone are the days when you can call up the cruise line a week before sailing and snag a cabin for your family at bargain basement prices. OK, maybe not completely gone, but certainly very rare. The fact is, the cruise lines can't build ships fast enough to keep up with demand. That's especially true of the super liners. They're huge, but the demand far exceeds capacity. Think about it... There are currently only three of those ships that feature surfing onboard. Of their 1,817 cabins, about 20 of them sleep 6 or more. Those tend to book more than a year in advance, right when the sailings are first released. Well over half of the cabins hold only two passengers. Given that these are the coolest ships at sea, how long do you suppose those triple and quad cabins for June and July itineraries last? Not long! My point is that while the ships are really big and have lots of cabins, there aren't as many as you'd think that can accommodate a family. Those that can sell early, especially over times when schools tend to be on break. The tropical itineraries sell earlier than the Alaskan, European or other options as well. So while there are some amazing short-notice cruise deals to be had this summer, they tend to be on non-Caribbean itineraries, for cruises of 7 nights or longer, and on cabins that only sleep two people. NOW is the time to be booking your family cruise for next summer as well as for Thanksgiving and Christmas '09. For Disney cruises, which book up even earlier, I have a waiting list for 2010 sailings. Yes, seriously! You'll get the best pricing, the best choice of cabins, the best shot at free upgrades, and more if you book early. Your deposit will be refundable, so you really have nothing to risk. If you can't do it now, then watch for the World's Largest Cruise Night in October. It only lasts one day, though, so you have to know exactly what you want and have that deposit ready because we'll have to put it in at the time of booking to secure the promotional offers for that day. If you've got flexibility and there are just two of you, then by all means check with me about 90 days before you want to travel and I'll set you up with a bargain. If there are three or more of you, though, and you want just one cabin don't wait or you may miss out entirely."
For a description of the family activities available on the Disney
cruise ships, see:
Back By Popular Demand! Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for Summer 2008 CELEBRATION, Fla. - The Disney Magic cruise ship returned to the Port of Los Angeles this morning, making it easier than ever for guests residing in Southern California to experience Disney Cruise Line’s highly popular seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera. The ship is on the West Coast for a limited engagement, sailing just 12 cruises this summer, but staterooms are available for select voyages throughout the season. The ship is scheduled to sail back to Port Canaveral, Fla. on Aug. 17. Disney Cruise Line developed the special itinerary in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback about its original West Coast sailings in 2005 and requests from guests who wanted to see the ship once again depart from the Port of Los Angeles. "When we launched our first Disney Cruise Line Mexican Riviera sailings in 2005, the guest reaction to the itinerary was tremendous. We have a significant Disney Cruise Line fan base on the West Coast and we look forward to another summer season sailing from the Port of Los Angeles," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. Beginning today, the Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The itinerary for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows: 2008 West Coast Itinerary Departing May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10.
* Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . Port of Los Angeles Guests will delight in the unspoiled beauty of the Mexican Riviera. Cabo San Lucas will treat guests to a tropical paradise of white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. Mazatlán offers guests a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture, while Puerto Vallarta, with more than 100 miles of scenic coastline, will allow guests to absorb the natural beauty of Mexico. Disney Cruise Line developed some magical experiences for the ship’s return to the West Coast including brand new shore excursions exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, enhanced entertainment offerings and themed youth activities. Here is a glimpse at what’s in store: Original Shore Excursions Available exclusively to guests sailing on Disney Cruise Line, the West Coast Signature Adventure Collection offers a luxurious repertoire of fun-filled shore excursions. These adventures offer an intimate way to explore the sights of the Mexican Riviera. Some of the highlights include: Waterfall and Hot Springs Tour in Cabo San Lucas Guests embark in a private vehicle to the East Cape Region in Cabo San Lucas. Once there, they take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall where they can take a dip in the cool waters and marvel at the sandy shores gleaming with gold pyrite. Guests continue to hot mineral springs and melt their cares away with a spa treatment created by Mother Nature. The Villa at Caletas in Puerto VallartaGuests board a private speedboat that whisks them to a secluded oasis only accessible by sea where they have exclusive use of a small villa. Hosts are available to assist in creating a relaxing and enjoyable stay as guests enjoy the snorkeling and kayak activities, take a relaxing snooze in a hammock or laze in a private Jacuzzi. Entertainment Even the world famous Disney Characters are getting in the spirit of the Mexican Riviera with lively entertainment enhancements, including: Minnie’s Fiesta Grande Minnie is getting ready to say "todos a bailar" with a brand new sail-away celebration as the Disney Magic departs the port of Mazatlán. Guests join Minnie and her pals for Minnie’s Fiesta Grande, a fun filled party celebrating the magic, music and culture of Mexico. Youth Activities Children get a taste of Mexican traditions through fun-filled activities aboard the Disney Magic. Here is a glimpse at some of the activities: Churro For Sure-Oh Children learn about one of the most famous Mexican desserts - the churro! They can experiment with different toppings and enjoy their own creations! Piñata Party Children discover the history of this traditional Mexican pastime creating brightly-colored paper piñatas and stuffing them with an assortment of goodies. A special surprise awaits as children get to break their piñatas at the end of the program. Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005. Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14-foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14. Rates for the special West Coast cruises start at $1,449 per person. Guests can book a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera, or a magical three-, four- or seven-night cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., by calling 888/DCL-2500, visiting disneycruise.com or contacting their travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 05/25/08)
Disney helps parents have a stress-free vacation with Disney characters,
experienced counselors, pagers, and an adult-only pool, deck and
restaurant.
Disney Cruise Line adds fuel surcharge: "Beginning with bookings made
as of May 28, Disney will charge the first and second passengers in a stateroom
$8 a day, up to $112 a person per voyage. Any remaining travelers in a cabin
will be charged $3 a day, up to $42 a person." A 7-day cruise will cost a
family of four an additional $154. Disney Cruise Line will open a London office this summer. It is thought that Disney will dock one of its new ships in Europe so it is seeking to expand its presence there. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/14/08)
"Disney has retooled and repurposed another of its modern animated classics
and set it out to sea. Toy Story -- The Musical premiered Thursday,
but there's only one way for fans to see it -- aboard the Disney Wonder,
one of two cruise ships based here."
A Review of Toy Story the Musical: "Disney Cruise Line, not a company
to ignore its showman roots, has just become the first to write, design and
mount an honest-to-goodness Broadway-style show for its Wonder ship."
Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line Reach Agreement New and larger vessels to homeport at Canaveral PORT CANAVERAL, FL- March 19, 2008 - Disney Cruise Line will extend its partnership at Port Canaveral for another 15 years, operating its two new 4,000-passenger vessels from its exclusive-use terminal in Canaveral. After yearlong negotiations, the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners today voted unanimously to approve the agreement, which includes pier and terminal improvements needed for the arrival of the first new Disney ship in 2011. The second ship is scheduled for launch in 2012. "Port Canaveral set the standard for the world's cruise terminals," says Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne. "The terminal, which was built exclusively for Disney, will be enlarged and enhanced for efficient handling of the additional passengers and baggage. We are pleased to continue this partnership that has been successful since the arrival of Disney 10 years ago." In addition, a parking garage will be built to accommodate the 40-percent capacity increase with the two new ships. "This agreement reflects Disney's commitment to Central Florida and success at Port Canaveral," said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. "We are proud to call Port Canaveral our homeport." Disney currently homeports the Disney Magic, offering a seven-day itinerary to the Caribbean, and the Disney Wonder, offering 3- and 4-day voyages to the Bahamas. "The continued partnership with Disney Cruise Line is a win-win for the Port Authority and the Brevard and Central Florida community," says Joe Matheny, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. "This benefits our economy with more local jobs, more customers for area businesses, and expanded cruise options from Port Canaveral." (Source: Press release, 03/20/08)
Canaveral to Homeport Freedom-class Ship Royal Caribbean International's vessels largest afloat PORT CANAVERAL, FL - March 19, 2008 - An agreement between the Canaveral Port Authority and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is expected to be finalized in the next few months to homeport Freedom of the Seas at Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean today submitted a letter of intent to deploy the 160,000 gross-registered ton vessel to Canaveral in May 2009. "The Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise vessel homeported here," says Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne. "And the agreement represents the longest commitment of Royal Caribbean to Port Canaveral." "Bringing a Freedom-class ship to Port Canaveral will give vacationers another homeport choice to experience the most innovative cruise ship at sea," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "Based on the popularity of Mariner of the Seas at Port Canaveral, we look forward to and anticipate similar success for Freedom of the Seas." The 3,634 guest capacity, double-occupancy, Freedom-class ships revolutionized the cruise industry when Freedom of the Seas first was launched in 2006. With Liberty of the Seas, launched in 2007, and the soon-to-be launched Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships feature exclusive onboard amenities, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, a boxing ring for Power-Box conditioning classes, an ice-skating rink, 10-route rock-climbing wall, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of restaurants, bars, lounge and shops that runs nearly the length of the ship. "We are delighted that Royal Caribbean continues to offer those traveling from Port Canaveral with the best the cruise line has to offer," says Joe Matheny, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. (Source: Press Release)
"Even if Disney Cruise Line ultimately decides to join its fellow cruise
companies and tack on a new ticket surcharge to cover skyrocketing
fuel costs, it will not follow the others in charging even those guests who
have already booked."
"After more than a year of negotiations, Disney Cruise Line and Port Canaveral
struck a deal Wednesday that will keep Disney ships sailing out of Brevard
County for the next 15 years..." Royal Caribbean will dock its Freedom of
the Seas ship in 2009 at Port Canaveral."
For photos of the Toy Story characters as they prepare for the debut of "Toy
Story - The Musical" on the Disney Wonder, see:
"[Nickelodeon] has chartered the largest ship in the cruise industry,
Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, to launch the first Nickelodeon Family
Cruise."
"Toy Story -- The Musical will debut in April aboard the Disney Wonder
cruise ship. It's the latest entry in Disney's expansive live-theater network
that launched in 1993 with the purchase of a Broadway theater and has grown
to include full-blown, movie-based Broadway musicals such as The Lion King,
Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast."
Disney Cruise Line Adds Two Eastern Caribbean Itineraries Amidst a Wave of New Choices for Guests in 2008 & 2009 CELEBRATION, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2007) -- Disney Cruise Line announced today two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 -- giving guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean -- and special offerings for 2008. Beginning in 2009, St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven-night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary. Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven-night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney's traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue). "The Caribbean continues to be an extremely popular destination for our guests," said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. "Expanding our offerings in the eastern Caribbean provides our first-time cruisers an array of popular destinations to choose from, while also providing seasoned Disney cruisers new destinations to visit and explore with Disney." McAlpin noted that there are also special offerings during 2008 including a summer season of sailings to the Mexican Riviera, select cruises with multiple stops at Disney's private island paradise, Castaway Cay, and an enhanced seven-night Land and Sea package that combines the adventure of a Disney cruise with the fun and excitement of a stay at Walt Disney World Resort. 2009. . .New Eastern Caribbean Routes Disney Cruise Line guests have always enjoyed the beautiful turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches of the eastern Caribbean and, on select voyages throughout the 2009 season, guests will be able to explore either St. Croix or Tortola. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wonderful mix of colonial-style architecture, natural wonders, quaint shops and spectacular marine habitats. Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, features centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens, sugar mills, sensational bays and beaches. The new eastern Caribbean itineraries will stop at St. Croix or Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Eastern Caribbean itineraries with St. Croix sail 1/3, 1/31, 2/28, 3/28, 10/10, 11/7 and 12/5/2009 Eastern Caribbean itineraries with Tortola sail 4/25, 5/23, 6/20, 7/18, 8/15 and 9/12/2009 Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer its current version of the eastern Caribbean cruise with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. The traditional eastern Caribbean voyages will sail in-between the special sailings to St. Croix or Tortola. Double the Castaway Cay in 2008 As a special treat during the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line has redesigned the four-night itinerary to offer two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas. Castaway Cay continues to be one of the highlights of a Disney Cruise vacation, and with this new itinerary, guests will have twice as much time -- two full days -- to enjoy all the amenities and activities of the tropical oasis. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and beautiful tropical flowers, Castaway Cay provides the ultimate escape, whether a guest is seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family. Altering the traditional four-night itinerary, these 16 special sailings will bookend a day in Nassau with two visits to Castaway Cay. All four-night sailings from 5/11/08-8/24/08 will include two stops at Castaway Cay Enhanced Land and Sea Package Beginning in 2008, Disney Cruise Line guests will have the option to book an enhanced package for Disney's seven-night Land and Sea Vacation. The new vacation package, Disney's seven-night Land and Sea Package Plus Dining, includes all the perks of the existing seven-night Land and Sea package along with the added benefits of the Disney Dining Plan, which provides guests one sit-down meal, one counter-service meal and one snack per person for each night of their Walt Disney World stay. Disney's seven-night Land and Sea vacation package combines a three- or four-night cruise on the Disney Wonder with three or four nights of accommodations and theme park tickets at Walt Disney World Resort. The addition of the Disney Dining Plan creates a more inclusive vacation experience. Combined with Onboard-Airline Check-in and Disney's Magical Express, this enhanced package is yet another way that Disney helps provide a hassle-free vacation experience. (Source: Press Release)
"Disney Cruise Line plans to make Port Canaveral home base for both
its ships in 2009, ending a four-year adventure that sent one of them to
distant waters in the Pacific and Mediterranean." In 2009, Disney will add
two new 7-night itineraries to its Caribbean cruises: St. Croix and
Tortola. -------------------------------- Unlike other cruise lines, Disney will not impose a surcharge on fuel on any existing or new bookings made through April 1, 2008. (Source: Disney email blast, 12/04/07)
Beth, our travel agent, gives us a teen's reaction to his experiences on a Disney cruise: "I just returned from a Disney trip that was booked at the last minute... one of the perks of not needing to buy airfare to get to the port! This was my third Disney cruise experience, but I was extra-excited about this one because I was doing it with a teenager for the first time. At a month shy of being 14 years old, Justin (not his real name) has several non-Disney cruises under his belt so he speaks as a kid with something to compare to. Here is a bit of his feedback... * The ship and the food are OK. I take that to mean that there is room for improvement in both areas, but neither one is bad enough to be a negative. * The entertainment is awful. Surprised? If you've taken a Disney cruise you shouldn't be. There aren't too many teenaged boys (or probably even girls, for that matter) that would truly enjoy sitting through an hour of G-rated animated movies brought to life. After Justin's harsh review of Hercules, the Muse-ical we didn't even bother trying to get him to see the other shows. Deemed equally lame are all the character appearances throughout the ship and at Castaway Cay. Justin declared the ship's entertainment to be geared solely towards young children, and my (adult) companion and I had to concede that he was 100% correct about that... at least with respect to the entertainment that he was old enough to observe. (He, obviously, didn't get a chance to experience the adult-only areas in the evening.) * The teen hangout (Aloft, on this ship) is pretty cool. The area is in the ship's bogus forward funnel on deck 11. Organized activities don't kick in until mid-morning or later in most cases, no doubt in recognition of the fact that they run into the wee hours of the morning so the teens aren't likely to be awake until nearly lunch time. There are all sorts of things to do up there, and if all else fails they can always watch a movie with their new-found friends. Justin quickly met a few guys to hang out with and seemed to be happy spending most of the day and evening in Aloft. * A few squishies did get in. If you don't know what a squishy is then you're probably a wrinkly. Squishies are kids that are too young to officially be there, but they manage to get in anyway. Justin said no one even checked. If you're the parent of a squishy, though, don't count on that happening when you go because Disney is usually pretty good about enforcing the age thing. (Now that you know what a squishy is, I probably don't have to explain what a wrinkly is... and it goes without saying that if you ARE a wrinkly then don't even think about being seen checking up on your teen unless you enjoy causing your offspring public humiliation and endless teasing.) * Activities, in general, leave something to be desired. Disney ships don't have the high-energy activities onboard that you find on many other ships. No rock climbing walls, skating, surfing, golfing, etc. There is ping pong available, as well as shuffleboard and a small basketball area. An attempt at playing soccer resulted in setting a ball adrift in the sea due to the lack of adequate enclosure of the area. There is an arcade, but it's apparently something that we wrinklies are more likely to enjoy than the teens are. (I was pleased to see Ms Pacman and Galaga, if that tells you anything.) There are computer games in the teen area, but Justin says that some of the best ones actually have a newer version available in the Oceaneer's Lab (area for younger kids). In fact, the younger kids overall seem to have a better selection of "worthy" teen software... something that caused some irritation amongst the teens because the younger kids didn't even know what to do with the "good stuff." * At least 13-year-olds count as "real" teens. All parents understand that being a 'tween is rough... Too old to hang with the little kids, not old enough to be accepted by the high school crowd. Cruise lines don't deal well with that problem. They think they do, but they're missing the boat. (No pun intended.) Disney and Princess start their teen programs at age 13... something your 12-year-old will probably be very unhappy about. Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer young teen programs for ages 12-14. Your 14-year-old will be unhappy about that. The fact is, they all need to do some serious focus group work. By the time a youth hits the ripe old age of 12 they have that Jekyll-and-Hyde thing going on where they can carry on a conversation with the maturity of a full-blown adult one minute and then walk across the living room carpet with muddy sneakers the next. Ideally, a youth program allows enough flexibility for your 'tween to roll with their mood of the moment. That means allowing them into the teen center if that's where they want to be and offering more guided activities for when they're feeling the need for that structure. On the next cruise ship I get to design I'll have TWO teen areas, one geared towards the older set and one geared towards the younger, but allowing ages 12-17 to go to either as they care to. In the meantime, be sure to check out the policy of the cruise line you're considering AND the facilities offered on the ship you're cruising on. Also, be aware that when a sailing has relatively few kids sailing, they'll often combine age groups. That could work for or against you, depending on your child. For the record, Disney Cruise Line has one area for all teens ages 13+ and they have one set of activities. * Castaway Cay day can be super-boring. Those who have been there are probably shocked at that one, but it's true. There's a teen-only beach, but there was no one there for a good chunk of the day so if you want a chance to experience Serenity Bay (the adults-only beach) make absolutely certain that you sign your teen up in advance for the shore excursion called The Wild Side. It's for teens only, takes 4 hours, costs a very reasonable $35, and the vast majority of teens seem to participate. At $15, the Banana Boat ride is also a good idea, and there's an afternoon "teen" time to do it, too. Skip arranging for these activities and you may find that your teen has no one other than you to hang with until mid-afternoon. (Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but you can forget the cabana massage, catching up on your reading, the romantic stroll down the beach, or whatever other vision you have of making Serenity Bay your own personal grown-up paradise.) Maybe this situation wouldn't be the case over peak holidays or summer, but this was a fairly busy cruise (as most are for this line) and I have to think it often works out this way. (Side note - Be sure your youth is well-coated with sunblock because there is VERY little shade on the teen beach .) So is a Disney cruise a good idea for a teen? Well, if all the children going are teens then no, probably not. If you've got some younger children in the group, too, though, then Disney might be a good choice. While other lines have good youth programming and many ships have nice youth facilities, Disney takes the prize hands-down for providing the best cruise vacation experience for the younger set... and when the little ones are happy then the adults are happy, despite the lack of some of the adult activities common on other ships (like a casino, adult-themed games, and plenty of shopping). Justin says a Disney cruise beats staying home, but wouldn't be his first choice. My nearly-10-year-old daughter has yet to do a cruise she didn't love, though, and while she would take a Disney cruise any day over all others, she'd be happy on nearly any ship that made even half an attempt at a youth program. In summary, if providing the best vacation for kids under 10 is your focus, Disney Cruise Line is a great choice. If amusing the little ones AND the adults is equally important check out Princess or Celebrity, and if you want to make everyone happy, including your teens, check out Royal Caribbean's Voyager and Freedom-class ships. Do yourself the biggest favor of all by working with a travel agent who is a CLIA-certified cruise counselor. It won't cost you anything more than booking online (and may cost you less!), and you'll be able to pick the brain of someone that has first-hand knowledge of many different lines and their ships." |
Beth, our travel agent, recently had the opportunity to experience Princess Cruise Line's new Emerald Princess: "Travel agents are bombarded with offers to check out hotels, cruise ships, tour companies, etc. for great rates - sometimes even for free - but, alas, most of us are rarely able to take advantage of the opportunities because it's so hard to get away. On October 26, though, I made an exception and accepted an offer from Princes Cruise Lines to spend the night aboard the new Emerald Princess while she was in wetdock in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm a huge fan of Princess and their newer ships are all lovely, but the Emerald is really exceptional. Those who've cruised on a newer Princess ship (Grand Princess onward) would recognize many areas and instantly feel right at home. That's something that Princess prides themselves on: the details may differ, but the general layouts are all very similar. The ever-popular Sabatini's is back, but this time moved up and to the back to take advantage of the view. I attended a tasting - a sort of pre-dinner with wine - and every morsel of food I had was outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to shell out the extra Bucks ($25 per person the last I checked) to eat there. There's a new bistro area to the buffet section in the evenings which was really very nice when looking for a late-night snack. And the International Cafe area of the atrium is just incredible. While there are nominal charges for most items, the bites that we had were well worth a dollar or two. Fans of Princess pizza (the best at sea if you ask me) will be pleased to know that it's still readily available and as good as ever. A seemingly well-kept secret is the adults-only Sanctuary area. You access it through the spa, but there is no charge to take advantage. There's a pool where you can swim against the current, a totally peaceful (and shaded) area to relax, nap, or read, and a few massage treatment areas (suitable for couples) that look out across the bow to a breath-taking view. The spa itself is as high-tech as any other these days, and the fitness center is huge. We caught a show in the main theater (very good) as well as some comedians in a lounge. The comedians were average; we might have liked them better if we could see them, but it was packed so we were stuck sitting off to the side just listening. Princess entertainment is, in general, pretty good. The children's areas on this ship are outstanding. Each age group has an age-appropriate zone that would keep the vast majority of children (and even teens) happy. The only area likely to disappoint is the tiny little arcade - but remind your kids you don't go cruising to sit in an arcade! It's true what they say about the Movies Under the Stars screen - you really CAN see it well during the day! It's much more fun at night, though, and Princess even offers wool blankets and popcorn to make the experience more cozy and fun. There is also a bright and lively casino aboard and many shops. Nooks and crannies are everywhere if you like sneaking off to somewhere quiet to read, and Skywalker's Nightclub is alive and well on Emerald Princess (although I do miss the escalator ride up). Our cabin was a minisuite and it was nearly identical to the one we had on the Star Princess last spring. They're big and comfy and bright and cheery. The balconies are plenty roomy enough to enjoy a champagne breakfast or afternoon tea (both of which I can highly recommend). Standard cabins are also very comfortable and plenty roomy enough for most people. They're not huge, but are much larger than the standard cabins of ships built 15 years ago. I also checked out a penthouse suite and found it to be a disappointment. The bathroom is enormous as is the balcony, but the living area didn't seem much bigger than our minisuite... just a different layout. We were all impressed with the owner's suite, though. If you've got the money it's the way to go. If you can only afford the penthouse suites, though, save your cash and get a minisuite instead. You won't miss the big bathroom. This ship is nearly identical to the Crown Princess which came out a year earlier in May '06 and the Ruby Princess (due out next Fall). There's something here for everyone, and if you like good food and good service you probably won't be disappointed. The ship is huge, though, so be ready to do some hiking to get around, and there are a few places that are a little hard to find even after you've spent many days on very similar ships. Still, learning a ship's layout is always part of the fun for me. While you rarely find rock-bottom pricing for Princess cruises, there are many great deals to be had which keep Princess very affordable - especially if you plan ahead. The agency I work with generally has group space on several Princess ships a month which gives clients an opportunity to get some great pricing plus some perks (onboard credits, etc.) without literally being a part of a large group. If you already love cruising, give Princess - and the Emerald Princess in particular - a try. If you haven't tried cruising yet, this would be a great place to start!"
Beth, our travel agent, answers common questions about cruises: WHY IS CRUISING CONSIDERED SUCH A GREAT VACATION? * You get to see multiple destinations without packing and unpacking over and over again, spending countless hours driving or sitting in airports, or seeing more of a tour bus interior than the destinations themselves. In fact, many cruise fans think getting there is at least half the fun! * There's plenty to do no matter what your age or how much (or little) activity you're looking for. Newer ships have amazing, age-appropriate children's facilities that provide them with nearly nonstop fun - and while the kids are off playing you can go shopping, play in the casino, get a massage, read by the pool, work on your golf swing, go rock climbing or ice skating or surfing - all without leaving the ship! Whether you're looking for an active vacation or one that helps you recover from an overly active daily routine, cruising will work for you. * The pricing includes your accommodations, more food than you could eat in a year, activities for the whole family, and top-notch entertainment... An all-inclusive vacation for one price, so it's really easy to plan your budget - and the price may surprise you. You'd be mighty hard-pressed to duplicate a similar quality land-based vacation for even half the cost. I STILL DON'T THINK IT'S FOR ME * Claustrophobic? Not a problem. Today's new ships have as many as 700 cabins with balconies and a few hundred more with windows. These ships carry more people than the entire population of many small towns - sometimes over 5,000! They are literally floating cities. You won't feel closed in. * Mobility challenged? Just because mega-ships exist doesn't mean that you have to choose one for yourself. There are still plenty of smaller, more classic ships that provide wonderful cruising vacations. If the thought of walking the length of a few football fields to get to dinner sounds like anything but a fun time, you don't have to worry. There's a ship for you. * Hate regimentation? Some cruise lines pride themselves on providing a 'freestyle' experience: dine where you want, when you want, and with whom you want; take the kids to dinner with you or let the cruise staff take them to dinner so you can have a romantic meal for just Mom and Dad; check out the big Broadway-caliber musical tonight or when they do it again two nights from now - or both! * Get seasick? Today's new ships are a far cry from the old ships of yesterday. They are equipped with stabilizers that can minimize motion to the point that you almost can't tell the ship is moving much of the time. Over-the-counter medications are more than adequate for most people with motion sensitivity - and in a real pinch the ship's doctor can inject you with something stronger. Very few people encounter real problems with sea sickness, but a travel agent can tell you which areas and which times of year are likely to present rougher seas so that you can avoid them if it's still a concern for you. * Quiet, please! The only things you'll ever be forced to do are attend the 15-minute fire drill on the first day and leave the ship on the last day. Otherwise, if you want to sleep on your balcony or sit in the library the whole time that's just fine. And if you'd prefer not to see a single child for the whole length of your cruise, there are plenty of ships that cater to adults. WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT? * There are dozens of ships to choose from, and hundreds of itineraries. To get the vacation of your dreams, you need to choose a cruise line, ship, and itinerary that will fit your expectations. You can't do that by reading online reviews and looking at pictures in brochures. You need the advice of someone who really knows cruising and can help you narrow down the field. * Travel agents that have earned the ACC, MCC, or ECC 'cruise counselor' designation have spent years attending classes, visiting ships, and taking cruises of varying lengths. Most have also completed specialist courses offered by individual cruise lines. Trained cruise counselors love cruising and they want to help you love it, too! * A travel agent works for YOU, not the cruise lines. * Most of the larger cruise lines now prohibit any agency from charging less for a cruise than it can be booked for directly with the line. That includes rebates in the form of gift cards, future travel credits, etc. so surfing the web is likely to reveal the same price over and over; but many agencies block cruise space that gets participants onboard credit, discounted fares, invitations to cocktail parties, free shore excursions - all sorts of things! What's more, clients of agencies that book a high volume with their chosen line often get higher priority on the free upgrade list... but don't confuse 'high volume agency' with the big name cruises brokers that you see every Sunday on the back of your newspaper's travel section or the mega travel sites online. Those companies have little influence over their clients' cruising decisions. Cruise lines know that, so they are more likely to upgrade clients of independent agents and local travel agencies as a thanks for steering clients their way. OK, I'M CURIOUS! If you want to know what kind of cruise deals might be out there for you, Affordable Disney members can log in for my contact info and email me... I'll go through the specials and see what I can find for you - no obligation."
Delight in the ‘Magic’ and ‘Wonder’ of the Holidays Aboard Disney Cruise Line From the happy haunts of Halloween through the revelry of the new year, guests will discover an extra dose of pixie dust aboard Disney Cruise Line this holiday season. From traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to "snowflake" sightings and seasonal caroling, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sparkle with the joy of the holiday season. The festivities begin on the Oct. 27 and 28 sailings, where guests can take part in some Halloween fun. Children will enjoy a trail of candy stations that culminates in a dance party on the top deck and special costume parties in each of the youth activity areas. For adults, there's a dance party and costume contest with prizes for costume categories such as best group, most original and most Disney. With Halloween decorations throughout the ship and scary -- as well as not-so-scary -- movies playing in various venues, children of all ages will enjoy a uniquely Disney twist on this autumn tradition. Then, beginning in late November, the spirit of the season will surround cruise guests from the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla. Disney characters decked out in their finest holiday attire will welcome guests to the lavishly decorated private cruise terminal. Onboard, the festivities continue with special themed activities, decorations, and even a transformed winter wonderland on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. On Thanksgiving Day, guests will delight in a traditional Thanksgiving feast complete with roast turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. After enjoying as much as they care to eat, guests can relax in a deck chair or partake in some of the many shipboard activities such as themed craft projects for the children. To top off the festivities, Mickey and Minnie will don their Thanksgiving costumes. After Thanksgiving, guests will discover continued holiday cheer along with: * A nearly three-deck-tall tree festooned with decorations in the atrium lobby, where "snow" flurries fall and a tree-lighting ceremony occurs. * A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids. * International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe (exclusively on the Christmas cruises). * Special family time for designing and decorating gingerbread houses. * A reading of "The Night Before Christmas" by Mrs. Claus. * Traditional holiday feasts in Disney's three themed dining rooms (Christmas cruises only). * Multiple faith and interdenominational holiday services (Christmas and Hanukkah cruises only). * A ship-wide party to ring in 2008 and a New Year's Day tailgate party. The holiday fun even extends to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. When the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder arrive at the sandy Bahamian isle just after Thanksgiving, the island will be transformed into a Magical Wonderland -- a "snowy" holiday hideaway. "Snow" flurries will fall like magic, Christmas trees will glow and carolers will croon. Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, wearing shell noses and tropical attire, will greet guests with a sleigh full of presents. The tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island will be reindeer themed, complete with antlers and tail. At the beach, kids can dive into holiday-themed activities that include making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles. The festivities begin on the Disney Magic on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departing on Nov. 24, and on a special four-night Bahamian cruise leaving Nov. 21. Guests wishing to spend the Christmas holiday onboard Disney Cruise Line can enjoy a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise beginning Dec. 22, or a four-night Bahamian cruise departing Dec. 23. From an extra treat on Halloween to a magical holiday season Thanksgiving through the New Year, Disney Cruise Line guests will cherish the memories made on board the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. (Source: Press Release)
Disney Cruise Line Announces Onboard Airline Check-in Service Disney Cruise Line strives to offer guests a hassle-free vacation experience by providing extra services, such as Disney's Magical Express, that help eliminate some of the stresses of family travel. And beginning this fall, select guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will find their vacation experience has been made even easier with the introduction of Onboard Airline Check-In. This new service will allow qualified guests to check-in for their post-cruise flights while on board the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, eliminating the need to do so at Orlando International Airport. Guests participating in Onboard Airline Check-In will enjoy the ease and convenience of not having to collect their luggage upon debarkation--checked luggage will be transported directly from the ship to the guest's flight. While on their cruise, guests' boarding passes will be delivered to their staterooms the day prior to disembarkation. Upon the ship's return to Port Canaveral, participating guests can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando International Airport where they bypass check-in and continue straight to airport security and on to their assigned departure gate. In order to take advantage of this service, guests will need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of the seven participating air carriers: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, or United Airlines/Ted. Eligible guests will be able to enroll for Onboard Airline Check-in by completing pre-registration information received at Orlando International Airport or one of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desks at the Walt Disney World Resort and turning it in during check-in at Port Canaveral. (Source: Press Release)
For the "do's and don'ts on an Alaskan cruise" see: "Disney Cruise Line, which is nearing the end of its initial 10-year contract with Port Canaveral, is pressing the port to cut costs amid suggestions that it might move its cruise ships." Disney is considering ports in Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Seattle. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/02/07) "The Disney Magic left in May for Europe, where it ferried passengers from ports of call in Italy, Spain and France. Later today, the Magic will resume its seven-night Eastern and Western trips through the Caribbean from Port Canaveral." (Source: floridatoday.com, 09/01/07) The Disney Dining Plan may now be added to the land portion of 2008 7-Night Land and Sea Vacations. The plan includes one table service meal, one quick service meal and one snack per person per night at your Walt Disney World Resort. "The Disney Magic has been based at Port Canaveral for nearly a decade. As Disney Cruise Line plans to double its fleet by 2012, the company may move some of its operations away from the Brevard port." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/24/07) "We're in Monaco people watching and gambling... This fantasy-come-true (or at least this very pleasant evening out in a world-famous locale) has been brought to us courtesy of Disney Cruise Line, though Mickey isn't anywhere in the vicinity." (Source: smarttravel.com, 07/16/07) "Plummer was eager to book a spot on an upcoming Disney cruise, along with many of his fellow participants on the unofficial Disney-related message board Three Circles. But when he went to make his final payment and complete his reservation, he was shocked by what he found - a link that enabled him to access personal information about his fellow passengers... [like] home address, date of birth, and even how much each passenger had paid for their rooms and their outstanding balances." (Source: petergreenberg.com, 07/02/07) "Some 2,400 passengers joined Mickey onboard the Disney Magic this month for Disney Cruise Line's first 10-day Mediterranean cruise... [with] Italian music playing daily on hallway speakers, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and wines on the restaurant menus and Spanish, French and Italian souvenirs in the ship's shops, in addition to Disney paraphernalia." (Source: nydailynews.com, 06/24/07)
Disney Cruise Line Arrives In Europe - Begins First-Ever Mediterranean Cruises BARCELONA, Spain (May 24, 2007) -- Thousands of colorful fireworks filled the nighttime sky over Barcelona this evening as, for the first time, the Disney Magic cruise ship approached the Spanish port city nestled along the Mediterranean coast, signaling Disney Cruise Line's first-ever foray into the European cruise market. In grand Spanish style, the 2,700-passenger ship was greeted by a fireworks spectacular totaling nearly 2,200-shells upon arrival to the Port of Barcelona. The Port of Barcelona will serve as homeport for the Disney Magic this summer as it embarks on brand new 10- and 11-night itineraries in the Mediterranean. These cruises provide families with a unique and hassle-free way to explore world-famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Naples, Cannes and Barcelona. "This is a special way to launch our unique Mediterranean cruises," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "Our guests have told us they want to explore different parts of the world with Disney Cruise Line, and we're delighted to provide them with an authentic European experience combined with a fun, family-friendly cruise only Disney can deliver." Continuing to offer a diverse array of itineraries, for the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line will reposition the Disney Magic to the West Coast for seven-night cruise vacations to the Mexican Riviera. Beginning May 25, 2008, the Disney Magic will sail 12-consecutive cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The celebratory fireworks show in Barcelona was choreographed to music that played upon Disney's rich musical history and celebrated the European destinations the Disney Magic will visit this summer. Thousands of local residents gathered along the Barcelona shoreline to catch a glimpse of the Disney Magic and join the festivities. A chorus of cheers filled the ship's decks when the show paid tribute to the newly released film, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." The film made its debut on the Disney Magic later that evening. Disney Cruise Line guests sailing in the Mediterranean will find several new surprises including a brand new stage spectacular at the Walt Disney Theatre, a Mediterranean-themed deck party, European-themed activities for children and family-friendly shore excursions at ports of call. To prepare for the journey, for the first time ever, iPod users can find Mediterranean themed content--port information, travel tips and language guides--plus movies and TV shows in a special travel entertainment store created exclusively by iTunes for Disney Cruise Line. "It was important to add new surprises for our guests during our first-ever European adventure," says Jim Urry, Vice President of Entertainment and Shore Excursions. "We looked for creative ways to showcase the international flavor of our destinations through onboard and excursion activities allowing the entire family to become immersed in the Mediterranean experience." Lavish entertainment is a Disney Cruise Line hallmark, and two notable additions were developed specifically for the Mediterranean sailings. Mickey Mouse's dreams come to life in When Mickey Dreams, a musical spectacle guided by a cast of Cirque-like "dream seekers" at the Walt Disney Theatre. The show's unique, artistic nature will thrill guests, while a nightmare visit by the notorious villain Maleficent serves up a few chills. One night during the cruise, guests will celebrate the summer in the Mediterranean at a carnival-inspired deck party called Party Paradiso. With the help of special effects designed to light up the night, Disney characters and performers ignite the spirit of fun and adventure as guests prepare to explore new horizons. Youth counselors, who are expertly skilled at keeping children of any age engaged and entertained, will weave the cultures of the ship's destinations into many of the children's activities. Up to 70 new activities for kids 3-17 have been planned for the Mediterranean, including Crêpe-making, puppet-crafting, pizza-baking and mosaic tile-making. Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships truly offer something for everyone. Limited availability remains for select Mediterranean cruises. Affordable Disney members can book Disney Cruise Line's next adventure, a special summer season on the West Coast in 2008 with seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera, or a magical 3-, 4- or 7-night cruise vacation to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Fla., by contacting Beth, our travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 05/24/07)
"Getting ready for the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie due out this week, four Walt Disney World resort hotels have created pirates-themed adventure cruises around Disney waters, open to children who do not need to be guests in any of the hotels." Kids can participate in a pirate adventures at:
Tickets: $28.17 + tax per child 4-10. Includes lunch and treat bag. Call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) to make reservations. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/21/07)
Cellular at Sea service allows guests aboard the Disney Magic to use their cell phones and wireless PDA. The service will become available aboard the Disney Wonder this summer.
Disney Cruise Line Signs Contract with Meyer Werft To Build Two New Ships New ships will more than double passenger capacity Disney Cruise Line announced today that it has finalized a contract with Meyer Werft shipyard to build two new ships. Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin and Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft shipyard of Papenburg, Germany, signed the contract in front of several hundred cheering cast members at a Disney Cruise Line cast gathering this morning. This is an exciting time at Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to build two new innovative ships that will take our immersive family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level, McAlpin said. Plans to add two 124,000-ton ships to the fleet were announced in February when executives signed a letter of intent to negotiate a construction contract with Meyer Werft. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disneys family cruise vacations. The new ocean liners will be significantly larger than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder with 1,250 staterooms each. Both ships will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to childrens activities, the ships truly offer something for everyone. Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be modern interpretations of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, is reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships feature the same exterior colors as Mickey Mouse, with a black, white, red and yellow palette. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising. New itineraries Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company. Expanding our fleet will give us the flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries in the future, McAlpin said. We are looking forward to taking our guests on new adventures to different parts of the world with Disney Cruise Line. (Source: Press Release, 04/21/07)
"Disney Cruise Line's one-tiered Castaway Club [loyalty program] members get special treatment at embarkation, a welcome perk in these days of long lines. They also get early booking privileges for shore excursions, the Palo specialty restaurant, the spa and salon and for youth activities and Flounder's Nursery. Disney even will give you a 15-day lead over less-Disneyfied passengers when booking onboard options." Plus, the following collectibles:
"A laptop computer accessory mailed to a crewmember sparked a bomb search aboard the Disney cruise ship Magic on Saturday, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported." (Source: local6.com, 04/07/07)
Applause, Applause! ‘Disney Dreams . . . An Enchanted Classic’ And New Sail-Away Party ‘Wow’ Guests On Disney Magic and Disney Wonder CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Snow falls in Walt Disney Theatre. Lasers generate sparkling pixie-dust trails. New Disney character performers take a bow. And the deck-party fun ramps up several notches. It's part of a flurry of onboard fun that will debut this spring on both Disney Cruise Line ships. One of the most popular, long-running shows on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, "Disney Dreams," will display new dazzle as "Disney Dreams . . . An Enchanted Classic" with elaborately enhanced special effects, animation and new scenic elements. As a bonus, two beloved character cast members -- Timon and Pumbaa of Disney's classic film "The Lion King" -- make their first-ever appearance on a Disney Cruise Line ship. The revitalized show will debut on the Disney Wonder March 21, 2007, and will be unveiled on the Disney Magic just in time for the ship's inaugural season in the Mediterranean this May. At the opulent Walt Disney Theatre, the enhanced "Disney Dreams . . . An Enchanted Classic," tells the story of a young girl who learns about the power of dreams. New laser effects allow Tinkerbell to "sprinkle" the theater with sparkling pixie-dust trails, and fresh animated video footage brings the show to life like never before. During a scene from the classic film "Beauty and the Beast," "snow" literally falls upon the audience. When Cinderella takes the stage, special pyrotechnic effects add glitter to her sartorial transformation from rags to ball gown. And Timon and Pumbaa appear for a musical medley of "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Hakuna Matata" from "The Lion King." Additional musical numbers during the 55-minute performance include: "You Can Fly!" "A Whole New World," "Prince Ali," "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "So This Is Love," "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea" and "Beauty and the Beast." (Featured on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) "We're committed to refreshing onboard entertainment and adding new theatrical surprises for our guests," says Jim Urry, director of entertainment for Disney Cruise Line. "Fans of our original 'Disney Dreams' show will be blown away by the enhancements." Also beginning this summer, guests on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will find a greatly enhanced Sail-Away Party, featuring new music, interactive dances and appearances by the world-famous Disney characters on the upper decks. Taking full advantage of the Ariel Vision jumbo screens recently added to both ships, new visual elements are planned for the show and guests attending the party may find themselves dancing on the "big screen." The party culminates with the sounding of the signature Disney Cruise Line "When You Wish Upon a Star" horn, signaling the official start of the ultimate cruise vacation. (Source: Press Release)
Angela writes about her land and sea vacation: "We were approached by the Dream Squad and named the New Official Family of the Hundred Acre Wood. I was disappointed it wasn't a free vacation, but it was still neat. My daughter doesn't even like Pooh! I also have a tip I can pass on. The Land/Sea packages include 7 day park hopper tickets. However, we only used 3 days. We paid about $90 extra per 7 day ticket to upgrade the tickets to no expiration date. We asked what the price of one ticket would be out right and was told they would be about $240. No, telling how much they would be in a couple of years!"
Disney Announces Expansion of Successful Cruise Business Two New Ships Will More Than Double Passenger Capacity The Walt Disney Company plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations. The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date. "Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us." Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand. "Focusing on families has been smart business for us," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent." Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising. Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, "This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level." New itineraries Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices. "With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries," Rasulo said. "This is a business that our guests love, and we're pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships." (Source: Press Release, 02/22/07)
Robyn writes: "Mr. Gross: I am particularly interested in your discounts for the Disney cruise. We want to go in June (July, too) and I wanted to see if you anticipate having discounts available for June? We have to get passports which takes about 8 weeks and I wanted to see if joining your club would provide June discounts. Thanks." Yes, we expect deals for June and July.
WRAL.com makes this suggestion for the Disney cruise: "Nassau is over-commercialized and can easily be skipped during the cruise. Instead, when the ship docks, head directly to the Atlantis Hotel. There, you can spend time relaxing on the hotel's beach and playing in both the waterpark and the casino." (Source: wral.com, 02/19/07)
Back By Popular Demand! Disney Cruise Line Returns to West Coast for 2008 Disney Cruise Line announced today that the Disney Magic cruise ship will return to the West Coast for the summer of 2008 to once again offer its highly popular seven-night Mexican Riviera sailings. Disney Cruise Line developed this special itinerary in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback about its original 2005 West Coast sailings and requests from guests who want to see the ship once again departing from the Port of Los Angeles. “Through Disney Cruise Line, we are able to offer people a different way to vacation with Disney outside of our theme parks, and we can take our ships to various parts of the world, providing new audiences with immersive Disney experiences,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Beginning May 25, 2008, the Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said, “The Disney Magic experience is unique, and it is only fitting that it return to the port of such a unique city, Los Angeles. The West Coast experience that Disney will offer exclusively out of the Port of Los Angeles will generate much business and tourism revenue that will bolster our local economy.” The itinerary for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows: 2008 West Coast Itinerary Departing May 25; June 1; June 8; June 15; June 22; June 29; July 6; July 13; July 20; July 27; Aug. 3; Aug. 10.
Sunday - Port of Los Angeles Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin said, “When we launched our first Disney Cruise Line Mexican Riviera sailings in 2005, the guest reaction to the itinerary was tremendous. We have a significant Disney Cruise Line fan base on the West Coast, and we look forward to taking the Disney Magic back to the Port of Los Angeles in 2008.” Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005. Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14 foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14. Guests booking a Mexican Riviera cruise can combine the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line vacation with the fun and excitement of Disneyland Resort by booking a two-night pre- or post-stay at one of Disney’s three Anaheim resort hotels.
In addition to the 12 Mexican Riviera cruises, Disney Cruise Line will offer
two 15-night repositioning cruises through the Panama Canal. The Disney Magic
will depart Port Canaveral and head west on May 10, 2008, with the return
cruise to Florida scheduled for Aug. 17, 2008. 2008 Panama Canal Cruises Departing May 10, 2008 (to California)
Saturday - Port Canaveral Departing August 17, 2008 (to Florida)
Sunday - Port of Los Angeles Rates for the Mexican Riviera cruises start at $1,599 per person, and the Panama Canal repositioning cruises start at $1,699 per person. Both special itineraries will be available to book starting Jan. 31, 2007. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press Release, 01/18/07)
New Itineraries and Pixie-Dusted Enhancements Await Disney Cruise Line Guests in 2007 CELEBRATION, Fla. -- With the elegant style of classic ocean liners and upgraded amenities worthy of a palace, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are setting sail in style during 2007. The Disney Magic will for the first time call on ports in Spain, Italy and France throughout the summer. The Disney Wonder was recently refurbished to include a spa makeover, jumbo poolside LED screen and a new toddler splash-zone for non-potty trained children. Itineraries -- Throughout the entire year, Disney Wonder offers fun and excitement as it voyages to the popular port of Nassau, the Bahamian capital teeming with tropical and historic sights. Guests then sail on to Castaway Cay, where the livin' is easy and the fun is non-stop. A tropical paradise fringed with palms and framed by sparkling seas, the island offers special amenities for kids, teens and adults. Disney Magic voyages promise plenty of adventure in 2007. The tropics envelop guests who embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to white-sand beaches and colorful island towns and villages. Beginning May 26 and continuing through August, Disney Magic ventures "across the pond" for 10- and- 11-night itineraries that include Barcelona, Spain; Palermo, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Olbia, Sardinia; Rome; Florence, Italy; and Marseille, France. Entertainment -- Princesses and other popular Disney characters rule the |
