Special Guest Contributor: Choose to Cruise
Michele Dakho at PixieVacations has been kind enough to contribut a guest article about the Disney Cruiselines. If you've never sailed with Disney before, it's a incredible treat and great vacation. Thanks Michele.
Is there anything better than a Disney vacation? I think not! Year after year (or as frequently as possible) you make your reservations, watch like a hawk for discounts, hope for free dining and work your touring plans until they are perfect. Even for the most experienced Disney travelers, by the time you get on your vacation, you need a vacation from your vacation.
You wouldn’t dream of traveling anywhere else and missing out on the magic, but in your heart of hearts you’re weary from the park commando schedule of the theme parks; so what do you do? Choose to cruise!
Minimal planning and maximum magic are the elements of a truly perfect vacation experience and no one does it better than Disney Cruise Line. Those of you who have been land laden for years, have no fear. There are plenty of reasons to float out into the big blue world of cruising and no matter who’s traveling with you, there’s something for everyone.
New cruisers are particularly nervous when picking and planning a cruise. It is a completely different vacation than you’re used to and the fear of the unknown keeps many people grounded.
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I’m no stranger to the tons of cruise questions people have. Let’s stick to the journalism 101 basics: “What” “Where” “When” “Why” “Who” and “How”. I’m sure you have many of the same questions so let me tackle the most common questions about Disney Cruising.
“What is there to do?”: The beauty of cruising is that you can do as much or as little as you like and there’s something for everyone!
Kids: There are nursery services for children ages 2 and under (for a nominal fee, approximately $6 per hour) and kids clubs for children ages 3-10, a tweens only area (ages 11-13) and a teen hangout (ages 14-17) these kids programs are all included in your cruise fare and offer supervised activities geared for each age group.
Families: Can play together at the Mickey and Donald (or Goofy) pools, hang out in the family lounges like D-Lounge and Studio Sea to sing karaoke, play trivia and more.
Adults: Have their own solace in the adults only areas like The District (Dream and Fantasy) Wave Bands and Rockin-Bar D (Wonder and Magic) at night. There is also an adults only pool, an adults only coffee shop, pool side bar (the Dream and Fantasy have a swim up bar!) and a spa. The Fantasy and Dream offer a teen package at the spa while the Magic and Wonder have an “age 18” requirement. For a quiet and romantic dinner adults can dine at Palo (all ships) or Remy (Dream and Fantasy only) and experience the best in Italian and French cuisine.
“Where should I cruise?”-Disney Cruise Line has expanded itineraries to new ports that are more exciting than ever. Choose from voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean (7-nights), Alaska (7-Nights), The Bahamas (3, 4 and 5-Nights), 14-Night Transatlantic Repositioning cruise and Mediterranean voyages that offer 4, 7 and 12-Night itineraries. For the first time ever the Disney Magic will sail to Greece in 2013 on a 12-night voyage! The Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal, Hawaii and Pacific Coast cruises are still on the 2012 roster.
“When should I cruise?”-Anytime is the perfect time for a cruise in my opinion! The voyages are optimized for year round travel so whichever itinerary you choose, you’ll know that your ship is headed in the right direction for that time frame. Weather is always a top fear but the words “hurricane season” don’t necessarily mean that you’re sailing directly into the eye of a storm. Some of the best weather (and best pricing!) is in “hurricane season”!
“Why should I cruise?”-If you are the vacation planner in your family you know how exhausting it can be. Regardless of your expertise with Walt Disney World travel there is still a lot of work involved. Advanced Dining Reservations, Extra Magical Hours, touring plans, etc. If you’re ready for a TRUE vacation experience, then cruising is for you. There is minimal planning involved and the magic is at a maximum. Once you’re onboard everything is taken care of. Your meals and snacks are all taken care of, there’s plenty of activities to choose from, you can do as much or as little as you want and everything is included. Did I mention that the kids clubs are free of charge and there’s a quiet pool for adults only? Just checking.
“Who should cruise”?-Everyone! Cruises are perfect for extended families! There’s something for everyone to do and you can spend as much or as little time together as you like and then meet up for dinner. You can get staterooms connecting or nearby, or as far away from each other as you like!
“How do I book my cruise?”-Before you go looking on the Disney Cruise Line website and get frustrated and overwhelmed call your Disney travel agent. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner I have cruised Disney Cruise Line many times and am anxiously awaiting my preview cruise on the Fantasy and our Alaskan cruise over the summer. It’s my job to answer all your questions and never make you feel like they are silly, re-assure you of all the wonderful times you’re going to have, help you plan excursions, pick your cruise and stateroom tell you what to eat and what to avoid and give you insight to all the tips and tricks I’ve learned during my cruises. Why would use a travel agent? Because it’s free, I’m paid by Disney...not you and I do all the work, so you can have all the fun! Make your trip Pixie Perfect and contact me for more information or for your FREE quote!
