After talking with other people that have been on other cruise lines - I realized Disney's Cruise Line is the only one that's really all inclusive. The other lines nickel and penny you to death with all kinds of extra add on's such as beverages (yes, even coke and tea). Disney does not. Once you pay for your vacation package you are ready to go. Also, I heard their ships are the nicest and beds are the most comfortable. I have nothing to compare them to - but as comfortable as they were - I believe them. (Please see 2015 cruise post for an update)
2013
We had never been on a cruise - EVER! So, we weren't for sure how we would like it and took the short 4 - day Bahama Disney Cruise in April 2013. I get REALLY car sick, so I wasn't for sure how I would do. Thankfully, a friend of mine told me to get the ear patches and to put the 1st one on 24 hours before I got on the ship. So thankful I listened! The lady next to me at dinner waited until she got on the ship to put hers on and was unable to eat at all. The next night she was fine. I felt a little dizzy/drunk feeling the first night and last night (when we were going the fastest) but I was able to enjoy my time and my food.
We were on the Disney Dream and it WAS a dream! First of all, the Aqua Duck is worth the entire trip. I could have rode that water coaster the entire time and would have been perfectly happy. We booked the least expensive room with the balcony and it was very luxurious! The entire staff treated us like royalty and made us feel very special.
Our Room
Aqua Duck - they don't allow cameras on or near the ride, but it circles the entire ship. So this is the best pictures I could get.
They have all of the classic Disney Princesses (Snow White, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Aurora) on board and they are able to spend way more time with you than they are at the parks.
Mickey & Minnie are there of course.
Goofy and Max
Chip & Dale
Pirate night you can even meet Captain Jack Sparrow and I swear it was Johnny Depp - looked and talked like him.
Stitch is also there on pirate night.
Our first stop was in Nassau. We chose the Blue Lagoon option and I'm so glad we did. I heard it was not as crowded as Atlantis. We really enjoyed it and I was able to live my dream of swimming with the dolphins.
Castaway Cay
The next stop was at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. It was wonderful. The only people on the island were the people from the cruise ship. Lunch was included and there was so much to do.
2015
In 2014 we accompanied a friend on a cruise with another cruise line. I don't want to slam names, but it was supposed to be the top of the line. If I had never been on a Disney Cruise I would not have had as high of standards, but since I had - I can tell you from personal experience now - the beds, rooms, and customer service.........Disney can not be beat. And after our 2015 Disney Cruise - you will never be able to pull me away from Disney again. I now prepare you for a short story below :
"The Vacation That Almost Didn't Happen"
For those of you that know me well, you know I LOVE Disney and believe that their customer service can not be matched. After this trip - it is beyond LOVE and their customer service surpassed all of my expectations.
The day we were supposed to leave, we got to New Orleans Airport to find out that our (Southwest) flight was delayed over 5 hours. This would put us in Orlando after our cruise ship left. I was in a panic after they told us there wasn't another flight out to get us there in time.
I called the Disney Cruise Line to see if they had any flights and they were unable to book anything the day of. But the cast member calmed me down, took my reservation information, and told me to try to find another airline and call him back.
After several attempts, Delta finally said they could get us to Orlando by 3:30pm. Our documents clearly stated we had to board by 3:45pm or we would not be allowed to set sail. So I called Disney back to see about the 3:30pm flight. The cast member told me it would be pushing it, but to take the flight.
We board the plane in New Orleans (connecting to Atlanta) only for the pilot to announce that we had to pull back up to the gate due to something wrong with the engine. I was in tears and about to be sick and praying all at the same time. We finally made it to Atlanta, barely making our connecting flight. Disney told me to call them the minute we landed, so I did. She told me they were not leaving us, but to run. Little did we know they had a cast member waiting at the gate for us to escort us down to a private motor coach. We landed at 3:30, it was a 45 minute drive to the ship, we were beyond late and none of it was Disney's fault. But they had a crew of people waiting on us when we got to the terminal that had our luggage, rushed us to the ship, apologized because we had to board on the bottom floor with the crew (I told them I would wash dishes every night if I had to, I just wanted on that ship!), and took us all the way to our room. When we were headed to dinner, crew members actually checked on us to make sure we were ok.
This was beyond anything I could ever imagine. Can't beat Disney folks!
For those of you that know me well, you know I LOVE Disney and believe that their customer service can not be matched. After this trip - it is beyond LOVE and their customer service surpassed all of my expectations.
The day we were supposed to leave, we got to New Orleans Airport to find out that our (Southwest) flight was delayed over 5 hours. This would put us in Orlando after our cruise ship left. I was in a panic after they told us there wasn't another flight out to get us there in time.
I called the Disney Cruise Line to see if they had any flights and they were unable to book anything the day of. But the cast member calmed me down, took my reservation information, and told me to try to find another airline and call him back.
After several attempts, Delta finally said they could get us to Orlando by 3:30pm. Our documents clearly stated we had to board by 3:45pm or we would not be allowed to set sail. So I called Disney back to see about the 3:30pm flight. The cast member told me it would be pushing it, but to take the flight.
We board the plane in New Orleans (connecting to Atlanta) only for the pilot to announce that we had to pull back up to the gate due to something wrong with the engine. I was in tears and about to be sick and praying all at the same time. We finally made it to Atlanta, barely making our connecting flight. Disney told me to call them the minute we landed, so I did. She told me they were not leaving us, but to run. Little did we know they had a cast member waiting at the gate for us to escort us down to a private motor coach. We landed at 3:30, it was a 45 minute drive to the ship, we were beyond late and none of it was Disney's fault. But they had a crew of people waiting on us when we got to the terminal that had our luggage, rushed us to the ship, apologized because we had to board on the bottom floor with the crew (I told them I would wash dishes every night if I had to, I just wanted on that ship!), and took us all the way to our room. When we were headed to dinner, crew members actually checked on us to make sure we were ok.
This was beyond anything I could ever imagine. Can't beat Disney folks!
Cast Member that met us at the gate -
Two very relieved people on our "private motor coach" -
Ok, now to the cruise. This year we chose the 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Fantasy with stops at St. Thomas USVI, San Juan Puerto Rico, and Disney's Castaway Cay.
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Our Room
*Notice the bag on the bed was our gift for being a Castaway Club member. After your first cruise you are automatically in the club for free - so be sure to sign up for the benefits.
Our Verandah
Restaurants
With Disney Cruise Line, you have rotational dining, which means you are not stuck in the same dining room every night. They have 3 different restaurants (Enchanted Garden, Royal Court, & Animator's Palate) you rotate between and your waiters follow you. Each restaurant it themed and if your cruise is long enough to visit each one twice - you most likely will have 2 completely themed experiences. And of course there is always Pirate Night (my favorite menu). They also have higher end and adult only restaurants you can visit for an additional charge. We have never tried any of those. We have been happy with the ones we went to, the service is exceptional and they do whatever they need to, to make sure you have a pleasant meal.
The correct answer to use when your wait staff ask you how everything was (if you liked it at all) is: EXCELLENT! That is the result they strive for and unless you really expect them to do anything else for you - say excellent. This makes their day and the staff we have had experience with, have been nothing less.
Enchanted Garden
This was our first night there and if you read what kind of day we had, you'll understand why my food was almost gone before I remembered to take a picture of it. We are both simple, country, meat & potatoes people. I usually get a simplified version of what is on the menu (for example: hold the sauce) and they are always very accommodating. At the time, I thought I would remember what I ordered so I could tell you - I don't - I'll do better at taking a picture of the menu next time.
Night 4 - Back at Enchanted Garden
We have found the sundaes to be our favorite desserts. Because of our "simpler" taste - the other desserts are sometimes a little bit "too fancy" for me. But I know there are other people that really appreciate them.
Night 5 - Pirate Night
All restaurants are doing the same thing Pirate Night. It all depends where you are in your rotation as to what restaurant you dine in. We happened to be at Enchanted Gardens again. Pirate Night is my favorite menu and an extremely fun night! Be sure to take your costume - no matter your age!
After a day in Puerto Rico, we came back to our stateroom and on the bed is a letter explaining pirate night as well as bandanas to wear.
But if there is Crème Brule on the menu - that's what I am getting.
Details, details
Menus for night 3 and 7
Princess Tiana
Jessie
Formal Night with Mickey & Minnie
After a day in Puerto Rico, we came back to our stateroom and on the bed is a letter explaining pirate night as well as bandanas to wear.
I can't remember what my husband had (looks kinda like a pork loin. I had the riblets and to me - its the best meal of the cruise. Again, I am a country girl - give me my BBQ and I'm happy.
And if the desserts on the adult menu don't suit your fancy - never be ashamed to ask for a kids menu. They are always happy to accommodate - and most of the time there are simpler options such as this gigantic Mickey Mouse ice cream bar.
And back in your room (after the fireworks), you will find bits of (chocolate) gold treasure waiting for you.
Royal Court
Each cruise will have an assigned restaurant for a sit-down breakfast if you are not feeling the chaos of the buffet. Royal Court was the assigned restaurant for this cruise. We ate here a couple of times during the cruise for a quieter option. This is also a good time for your own little private tour of the restaurant. I was taking advantage of no crowd by taking pictures of all the little details. One of the cast members saw me and took me through the entire restaurant showing me details I may have missed and telling me the story behind them. (I took this entrance picture later that night.)
I had the Dulce de Leche Waffles with watermelon. My husband had the breakfast platter. They also brought around different types of pastries for you as well.
That night (night 2) was formal night and we had chosen that night to celebrate our 14th Wedding Anniversary (the actually anniversary would be 2 days after we returned home). The combination of the Royal Court, formal night, and anniversary celebration just seemed to go together perfectly!
We only ordered our 2 entrees, but our head waiter wanted us to try another dish as well. They really make sure you don't go hungry.
Bread in a carriage....I just love all the themed details!
My husband chose the strawberry shortcake sundae.
Then they all came out to sing Happy Anniversary. Gave us our buttons and Happy Anniversary inscribed chocolate cake.
Animator's Palate
This is a very fun restaurant - especially for little ones. Crush is there and will swim around talking one on one to your little ones. If you have this on your rotation for a 2nd time, it then turns into a cartoonist dream - you draw a picture before your meal, then while you eat it appears on screen and brought to life. We ate here nights 3 & 7.
The entrance - of course Genie is my favorite!
The ceiling changes....
The "tank" at each corner of the restaurant (and there are MANY corners) where Crush stops by to chat. This is the experience for your 1st visit.
If you have a chance for a 2nd visit during your cruise - Sorcerer Mickey brings your drawings to life.
Dessert! I can't remember what I ordered, but I remember wishing I had Jason's Cookies & Cream Sundae. It was delicious!
Characters
There seemed to be a lot more characters on this cruise than the one in 2013. That could have been due to the fact it was a longer cruise. I normally don't stand in line for characters I've already "met", but since the lines were so short, I went through almost all of them. (PLEASE NOTE: This cruise was May 2-9, 2016 - I'm not sure the lines will be so short during peak season.)
Princess Tiana
Jessie
Woody
Formal Night with Mickey & Minnie
Semi-Formal Night with Captain Mickey
Captain Hook & Mr. Smee
Captain Jack Sparrow
...and because it's Captain Jack Sparrow - I also stood in line for him on the beach.
There are several more on the beaches of Castaway Cay that I did not stand in line for.
The following are a couple of videos I thought I would share of character interaction:
A Meet & Greet with Donald Duck
Pluto
Doc McStuffins
Sofia the First
Belle
Ariel
Cinderella
Chip & Dale
I wish I had this encounter on video. As usual, the characters take up a lot of time with everyone (including adults). Chip & Dale got into a "fight" over me - it was hilarious and obviously made my night.
Donald Duck
Jake the Pirate
Dopey
Peter Pan
Tinkerbell
Goofy
Whoever Goofy's "friend" was on this cruise - he deserves a raise. He was my favorite on this cruise!
Captain Hook & Mr. Smee
Captain Jack Sparrow
...and because it's Captain Jack Sparrow - I also stood in line for him on the beach.
There are several more on the beaches of Castaway Cay that I did not stand in line for.
The following are a couple of videos I thought I would share of character interaction:
A Meet & Greet with Donald Duck
Character Dance Party
The Crew
I was so busy watching the crew member that I didn't even notice the cast member at guest services the first time through...watch it twice to catch both in action : ) They seem to love their job!
These little girls ran up begging him to dance....they didn't have to ask twice...he jumped right on in....this shows the kind of attention you get on a Disney Cruise
The Aqua Duck
If someone told me this was all I would get to do on the cruise... I would be perfectly happy :)
My cameraman did the best he could at filming me on the Aqua Duck.
Hopefully next time I will be able to video the actual ride.
The Disney Fantasy
Some photos of and around the ship itself
(this does not do it justice, nor does it scratch the surface of showing you every space on the ship)
Chandelier in the Main Lobby
other lighting
The Main Lobby
The Walt Disney Theatre
one of the youth areas
Stairwell
Window Seating on Deck 3
Deck Games
Elevators
Port Adventures
St. Thomas/St. John, U S Virgin Islands
On our first stop, we took a ferry from St. Thomas to St. John and took the St. John Island Tour. It's a short, inexpensive Port Adventure that is relaxing and beautiful. You get on a bus taxi and it takes you to scenic areas as well as to several sugar mill ruins.
They make several stops to let you take pictures such as these:
Back in "town" waiting for the ferry
The Market where we had a wonderful strawberry smoothie
San Juan, Puerto Rico
We chose the Rainforest Nature Walk & Waterfall Adventure.
We are fairly active people, so we thought this would be an easy walk. However, we did not take into consideration that the walk would be on a steep, slippery incline the entire way. So be careful when choosing active adventures. We walk/jog several miles a day and while we made it through this adventure fine - it was way more difficult than we were expecting. We also didn't realize that Jason was in the beginning stages of severe dehydration (he hates drinking water no matter how much I tell him he needs to) and this did not help that matter at all. He was a trooper. I knew he didn't feel well, but he never complained the entire way. Personally, if I had it to do over with - we would not have chosen this excursion. It just wasn't worth it to me.
Disney's Castaway Cay
My favorite port! I would be happy if they just dropped me off here for a week.
Castaway Cay view from our balcony
The Island!
This year we spent more time at Serenity Bay (the adult only beach) which also has a Cookies BBQ. However, I think the family BBQ has more options (or it did back in 2013).
While we were waiting for our Port Adventure to start, this little guy came by and struck a pose : )
We went on the Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage.
I was a little disappointed in this one. It wasn't very expensive, but I was still expecting more than what we got. The Glass Bottom Boat literally just took us out to a small reef, fed the fish, and took us back. I was expecting a lot of different tropical fish - but we really only saw one.
We did get some great views of the Disney Fantasy though.
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