Carnival Carnival Triumph on 11/02/08 · $541
Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas on 11/22/08 · $499
Carnival Carnival Sensation on 09/18/08 · $249
Carnival Carnival Fascination on 09/01/08 · $249
Carnival Carnival Fascination on 11/20/08 · $309
Carnival Carnival Imagination on 10/20/08 · $239
Carnival Carnival Imagination on 11/17/08 · $239
Posted 05/01/08
Disney Magic Review
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WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR…..
You can actually find yourself on the Disney Magic Cruise ship! With various options—and my favorite being the 7 day Eastern Caribbean—you can actually plan a vacation that not only stirs the hearts of children but rekindles the child in you. I have now taken 2 Disney cruises aboard the Magic and am scheduled for a third. It started as a dream for 2 grandmothers to take their grandchildren together on a delightful trip with a host of Disney characters. It was our first cruise and we didn’t know what to expect. But from the time we arrived in the Orlando airport, met Disney customer service people, were transported to Disney’s own cruise ship terminal, what we found above all were things done “THE DISNEY WAY”. Their way includes a certain attitude, a type of service that aims to please, as close to perfection as you can get and above all keep your family happy. Smiles, “thank you, “how can I help you are the phrases heard often and you really believe they mean it. It’s all about accommodation but in giving your family a fantastic time together with little stress and plenty of memories.
 While aboard you will marvel how each area and deck is decorated, and enjoy the different themed restaurants you eat at on a different night. You have from Beauty and the Beast “Lumiere’s”, to the colorful Caribbean “Parrot Cay” and even Animator’s Palate (this one specifically changes from black and white cartoon walls to color with Disney film footage.) You’ll enjoy the dance, performance and unexpected wardrobe changes as well. While there are similar fun things that occur on other cruise ships, nothing will quite compare to the Walt Disney Theatre where top productions are staged nightly. You will be surprised and nostalgic when down memory lane you go remembering your own childhood experience growing up with Disney. But modern productions like the Lion King and others will blow you away with their special effects or great performances. Also, in between there are other top of the line Las Vegas style acts that will excite you or make you laugh. These are productions you can watch with family, children or grandchildren together, refreshments in hand yet everyone being individually entertained. This can be far better that the adult themed shows on other cruise ships or losing money in the Casino.
 Seeking some adult alone time? Then of course there is the marvelous Palo Restaurant exclusive to adults and at a nominal charge have first class gourmet meals enjoyed in a leisurely pace. During this time the kids can enjoy THEIR own alone time in the wonderful free Disney staffed kids 'camp' open from morning to night with counselors. It’s not baby-sitting for they provide a Science lab, computers, dress up and other activities, even meals together for the children while making friends. Pajama and pizza parties abound, there is an exclusive teen lounge and even service available to baby-sit the wee ones for a fee. Of course there are the usual spas, fitness rooms and other events open to adults including an exclusive pool; there are events during the day just for adults and clubs at night. You can decide how much time you want to divide with the children or adults, even take in a first run Disney movie while you’re at it with a pillow from your extra large state room, the little ones in their pajamas. Let’s not forget the special Pirates of the Caribbean party at night on ship with fireworks, a band, dancing and food for all, and even an outdoor movie above the pool. There’s something for everyone yet plenty to do together. But lest I forget, there are the off-ship adventures to the various Caribbean islands you will be visiting, with different ones to choose from, such as St. Martin-St. Marteen, St. Thomas/St. John and perhaps St. Croix or Tortola. Choosing one is an experience I won’t deny you the pleasure and anticipation of researching for yourself—that is half the fun! But Disney’s Castaway Key is one stop you won’t have to plan. You’ll have the opportunity to spend the whole day on their private island, served a wonderful free outdoor lunch and choose from activities or relaxation as you see fit. It’s like walking out to your own private beach where if you’re lucky, you might glimpse Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow on his pirate ship wrecked nearby or see if you come across Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Swan while snorkeling in the bay. Arrive whenever you want and leisurely find your way back to the ship.
So, when you actually find yourself on the Disney Magic upon arrival then cast-off to the unique ship’s horn--that sounds the notes to When You Wish Upon a Star--you’ll tingle with excitement for the unexpected adventure you are about to have. But know this, when your trip is completed and you arrive back in port, it will be with some reluctance yet an expected determination only to do it all again soon! ~ Bettye McLaurin, San Diego, CA |
Categories: Cruise Reviews - Disney Cruise Line
