Cruise Operators

Specialist Reports Styles of Holiday Cruise Holidays Cruise Operators Disney Cruise Line 

	Disney Cruise Line
tel: (08705) 000 007

Usually sold through operators, notably Virgin (01293) 432 100, plus the Walt
Disney Travel Company (0870) 24 24 910.

Owned and themed by Disney, attractions including preview screenings of Disney films. Produces a clients' guide called Discover Uncharted magic.

Ships

Two with berths for up 2,400 (877 cabins).

Where

The Bahamas, Eastern and Western Caribbean and Castaway Cay, Disney own private island paradise, from Port Canaveral, only available on a package with Walt Disney World Resort stays.

UK Departures

No.

Style

Themed to '50s classic cruising but Goofy is dangling off the bow and Broadway style shows are on Disney themes eg Voyage of the Ghost Ship or Hercules. The toddlers' pool is shaped like Mickey: it isn't the ship's captain who welcomes you on board, it's a seven-foot Captain Hook. Disney music is piped around the children and family pools but not the adults-only pool and deck area. 40% of cabins have private verandahs and they are reported 25% bigger than the industry average with separate loo and sink, and bath cum shower.
The rooms themselves are almost entirely logo-free and of the four restaurants one is very grown up. However, the Animators' Palate starts out decorated in black and white becomes more colourful through the meal, ending with a dessert with an easel of different coloured sauces.
Disney has bought its own island (Castaway Cay) where visitors can snorkel and swim.

Accommodation

Cabins sleeping up to five available plus suites.

For Children

Cots and high chairs.

Children's Facilities

Almost an entire deck for children with 1,500 square feet of play space and various child-only facilities for children, big screen TV and computers, There is a child pool and in the children's area even mini loos.

Food for Kids

Child menus. Evening food for children.

Babysitting

Private available.

Children's Activities

Operate 9-1am. Children pre-register for this and get a personal greeting and schedule on arrival.

3-8s, Oceaneer Club (must be toilet trained) divided 3-5s and 6-8s, themed as Captain Hook's ship with Neverland costume-making, following Peter Pan and on the Disney cay a scavenger hunt for instruments to join the Little Mermaid's band and space to run, climb and explore.

9-12s Oceaneer Lab (divided 9-10 and 11-12s) with electronic games, giant video walls and interactive computer screens. Goofy's Investigators look for sleuths to check out the forensics, older children can try a marine biology knowledge quest, create digital postcards and seek real island treasure.

Teens A comedy hour with improv professionals, a sports challenge and coffee-house.

Staff

Disney trained, staff to child ratios: 3-5s 1:15; 6-8s 1:25.

Security Measures

Pagers to locate parents on board ship.

Port Calls

Dedicated options available for children with a separate children's beach on the Disney island (and an adult-only one).

Sample Price

£919 for adults, £419.50 for under 12s, based on three days at sea four on land or vice versa inc return flights, and transfers or car hire for the trip, accommodation at certain Walt Disney World Resort hotels and the ‘Ultimate Hopper Ticket' for the length of stay, transfers to and from the Disney Cruise Line, and full board on the cruise.