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Dancin’ On a Disney CruiseFamily Fun for AllBy Lucinda MichellEureka! Our 15 year-old teenager is actually happy to be on vacation with her family. It’s a miracle! No, it’s a Disney Cruise. If you’re looking for an incredible family vacation, regardless of your children’s ages, a Disney cruise is the way to go. We had two families with kids ranging in age from 7 to 15 years, when we took a 4-night cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral, Florida. From the moment we landed at the airport, we knew Disney was in charge. A smiling young man holding a Disney sign directed us to the bus. Our luggage was going straight from the plane to the cruise ship (an hour away) so we didn’t have to worry about that. Actually, for the next four days we didn’t worry about much of anything except what activity to do next. Even with all the hordes of people, the staff got us on board quickly and efficiently. Our rooms wouldn’t be ready for another couple of hours, but Disney kept us busy and happy. The atmosphere was festive with live music playing on the upper deck, staff offering tropical drinks and of course, Disney characters greeting everyone. At this point we were starving. As usual, Disney anticipated this and we were directed to the top deck for the first of many extraordinary buffets. Something for everyone in our party, from our seven-year-old finicky eater to our gourmet cook dad. Tender sliced roast beef, smoked salmon, a variety of fresh fish, steamed spiced jumbo shrimp, lots of fresh veggies, Caesar salad (with just the right amount of dressing), pizza, chicken fingers and desserts galore. I told you there was something for everyone. While we ate we had a beautiful view of the harbor and two other cruise ships. In appearances alone, we were glad we had chosen Disney over the other two popular cruise lines. Our ship looked cleaner and more modern, in addition to having many more rooms with windows and balconies. The inside of the ship sparkled. Everything was elegant and appealing to both adults and children.
Each time the cruise left port was an occasion for an all out, blow out, cast away party with streamers, live music, dancing, singing and drinks flowing! Watching Goofy dance next to a pool on a moving ship was a sight to behold. Fortunately, the boat was so smooth, you didn’t even know you were moving until you looked into the water. There is no down time on the Disney Cruise, unless you choose to take a nap, which you won’t because you’ll miss too much. The grand Disney Theater has live nightly shows that appeal to the entire family. The quality of these spectacular productions is fantastic. If you’re not in the mood to sit, there’s a lot more to choose from. This is where the kids and parents can scatter. The adults should head to deck 3. Enter Route 66 and choose from any of the entertaining nightclubs, from comedy clubs to dancing to wavebands. Definitely go to one of the few adult only areas and experience the Vista Spa.
Every dining experience turned out to be an event. I don’t want to give all their secrets away, but when you enter each dining room for the first time, DON’T stand there gapping with your mouth open. It will embarrass your teenage children. I know this from experience. Victor (from Russia) and Brendon (from the Bahamas), were our waiters each night at the various restaurants. By the end of the cruise we knew each other so well that we felt comfortable letting the kids eat by themselves at Parrot Cay while we ate at the adults only, luxurious Palo’s restaurant. What a gastronomical experience that was!
While waiting for our return flight home, we had a couple of hours to kill, so we went for a bite to eat (not on a Disney property). From the get-go, we had an unpleasant experience from the hostess to the waitress to the food. My husband looked at me and said “Toto… we’re not in Kansas, I mean Disney, anymore.” For More Information:Cruises Inc.
U.S. Airways Photographs by Tina Fisher |
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Once we entered our
cabin we were pleasantly surprised at how large it was for a cruise ship. We
had a beautiful view of the ocean and a small balcony large enough to hold
all four of us. Each evening our friendly, efficient stuard turned the couch
into a cozy bed and pulled another hide-away bed out from the wall.
Our room now comfortably slept 4 people. 
The younger kids should
check out the Oceaneers Club on deck 5, with all the latest in technology
and gadgets. The teenagers will enjoy their own private club on deck 9 or
the Internet Café on Deck 3. The sports fanatic will love the ESPN bar and
everyone will love the outdoor pools on Deck 9. This is just a sampling of
activities. Each day you receive a 4-page list of activities, beginning at
8am and going until 2am. Take a deep breath and GO! 
And if this unbelievable ship
isn’t enough, which it is, there are some fabulous shore excursions to
venture out to. There’s hundreds of things (really!) to choose from. In
Nassau, you can go shopping, get your hair braided, try snorkeling off a
catamaran, visit the remarkable Atlantis Hotel, or take a nap (which you
won’t). 
Another day our cruise
ship landed at Disney’s own Castaway Cay. Now, I have to tell you, I was
skeptical. How exciting can a deserted island be? Oh, yea of little faith.
Remember, Disney is in charge. This island was a blast! Even on an overcast,
rainy day. Here’s just a few of the things we tried: parasailing, a scary
banana boat ride that kept tipping over (kids loved, mom hated), bike
riding, snorkeling, massage in a tiki hut overlooking the ocean (oh yeah)
and of course, ate, ate and ate some more.
Smiling, happy, cheerful….do
you see a pattern here? Consistently, the staff made you feel like they were
SO happy you were there. It made their day to pamper you and truly “make all
your dreams come true”. Disney knows that you work hard for your money and
they are determined to give a vacation of a lifetime…and they do!