Doesn't a cruise sound nice?!
There are SO many different cruise lines, and each has its’ own feel. Cruise lines are not “one size fits all”. Just like everyone has their favorite clothing brands and stores, there are cruise lines that are better situated for each individual person/family.
So what exactly sets Disney Cruise Line apart from other premium cruise lines? The list could go on and on, but here are a few.
1. Family Friendly Entertainment.
Cruises are known for having incredible entertainment. Large ship cruise lines pride themselves on being able to bring Broadway to you at sea. However, many of these shows on other cruise lines are not family friendly. With Disney, you never have to worry about something not being appropriate for little ones—or whether or not your squirmy kids will be welcome. With most of the theatrical productions having beloved Disney characters and well-known songs throughout the performances, your kids will feel like the theater is made for them. You can also watch new release movies, as well as old favorites, in the movie theater. What if your kids have never sat through a movie before? This is the perfect way to try it out—especially since you didn’t have to buy a ticket! There are also fun game shows, poolside movies, a water rollercoaster, and more. Oh, and let’s not forget the Pirates IN the Caribbean fireworks show at sea.
2. Character Meet and Greets.
When kids think about Disney, they automatically think “characters!” Every night, there are multiple characters waiting in the lobby to meet you. And unlike the theme park character lines, these are almost non-existent. From The Big Cheese himself (sometimes dressed in his Captain Mickey gear) to princesses in ball gowns, there are characters for everyone. You can also pose with characters in their beach clothes on Castaway Cay (Disney’s Private Island), and you might even see them strolling along the deck! If you would like a more intimate character greeting experience, you can sign up for special character meet and greets.In addition to characters, you can pose with captains and other crew.
3. Rotating Dining.
On most large ship cruise lines, there is a big dining room where you will eat almost all of your dinners. There are premium restaurants (for an additional charge) that you can visit in case you are tired of the dining room menu, or if you just want a change. With Disney Cruise Line, however, there are three restaurants for you to experience.You are assigned a dining schedule when you check in, and you will have a chance to try each of the restaurants at least once. Because they are 1/3 the size of a typical cruise line dining room, they each feel more intimate. The décor, theme, and menu are also unique at each restaurant, so you will never grow tired of the offerings. Even though you rotate restaurants, you still get the same wait staff—they simply rotate with you. (Bonus: you will LOVE getting to know your wait staff. Take some time to visit with them and hear their stories.)
4. Unparalleled Youth Clubs.
There are some great youth clubs on a lot of different cruise lines. That being said, no one does youth clubs like Disney! Just imagine a world where kids can be transformed to the size of a toy as they explore and play in a Toy Story themed area. Or maybe they would rather visit a Marvel superhero academy or join the Rebel Alliance on the Millennium Falcon. They can also do experiments, play games, make crafts, and have adventures like none other with the other kids and the Youth Activities Counselors. There are also areas for tweens (11-14) and teens (14-17) where older youth can relax, play games, watch movies, bake pizzas, and even enjoy their own sun deck. For kids ages 0-2, you can rest assured that they will be well taken care of in “it’s a small world” nursery.Most cruise lines do not have any childcare for kids under age 3, so this is one more way that Disney stands apart. As you can imagine, the quality, creativity, and counselors in the Disney Youth Clubs are unparalleled.
5. Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island.
Take a moment to imagine being on a private island in the middle of the Bahamas, with only your fellow cruise passengers allowed. With hammocks, lounge chairs, ocean playgrounds, sports courts, and a splash pad available for everyone to use, you will never tire of (free!) things to do.If you would like, you can also rent bikes, snorkel gear, floaties, or even watercrafts. One of the most incredible things about Castaway Cay is the barbecue lunch! Since everyone on the island is a Disney guest, the barbecue lunch is included in your cruise fare. On the adults’ only part of the island, they even have steaks! Speaking of which, there is a special area for adults to relax as well as TONS of areas for the whole family. Disney themes everything to the “T”, and Castaway Cay is not an exception. The whole island has been designed in such a way that you truly feel like you’re in paradise.
There are so many other things that set Disney Cruise Line apart, but these are five of my favorites. Needless to say, you will be WELL taken care of!
