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Disney Cruise
My
thoughts on the Disney Cruise
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Edmundo
with a
certain
Mr. M.
Mouse...
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Article
written by Edmundo Roa
The best family cruise
I will start by saying
that the Disney Cruise is not the only cruise we recommend for families and it's
not the only one with a kid's program or teen program, but - and this is a big
BUT - it's definitely the best one.
The clubs and
activities are awesome, the best I have seen on a cruise.
I think one of the main pluses is that the presence of the Disney
Characters - often enough excitement on it's own for a child or a
child-at-heart!
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Kid's
Programs
The children's programs are specially designed for the following age
groups, 3-4, 5-7, 8-9, and 10-12.
And there is also a teen program and teen club, called "Common
Grounds", which is off-limits to adults.
Disney's
Oceaneer Club is home base for the 3-4 and 5-7 years old. The club is
designed as a pirate ship and offers an oversized play structure for
climbing and sliding, interactive computer stations, and an area for
them to dress up as one of their favorite Disney characters.
Disney's
Oceaneer Lab is home base for kids 8-9 and 10-12.
The lab is designed with invention and exploration in mind and
offers a giant-sized video wall, interactive computer station, and a
special listening and reading station.
The counselors will engage each age group in interactive
experiences of animation, science, sports, fun, and visits from Disney
friends. They also have
special Lego and K'nex stations.
Disney
Dock Pager System
An excellent feature is the pager that is given to parents to use in
case of emergencies and also if the child wants to leave the play area.
Each family is given a pager and you establish a family password
to authorize check out. 8-12
year olds are provided the option of self check in and out, with
parental consent of course.
Parents
are encouraged to participate in the main "open house" on
embarkation day to meet the counselors and to complete the information
sheets. The Club and Lab hours of
operations are from 9 am to
midnight or 1 am. The ratio
between kids and counselors is the best in the market - in the nursery
1:4, for the toddlers 1:6, for the 3-4 year olds, 1:15, and for the 5-12
year olds, 1:25.
About
the ship
The cruise ship
itself is great. It's a big ship with about 2400 passenger capacity.
There are three main restaurants and several other dining options
like a pool grill and also an adults only restaurant called Palo.
The food is average to good.
It is made to suit every taste.
Each restaurant is themed to a Disney movie or movies.
The restaurant staff are really great.
You will make friends for life, as I did with my server with whom
I am still in contact.
Apart
from the fact that you have so much to do on the ship itself, the
ports of call are varied and interesting. Disney's private island,
Castaway key, is something else. There
is something to do for all age groups, and somewhere to get away from
each other. They have a
family beach and teen beach and an adults only beach.
The family beach is great for everyone, check out my picture.
The
great thing about the cruise is that Disney spares no expense for you to
feel the "Disney experience". The
shows are 5 star Broadway style musicals. The adult and children's entertainment is great and amusing.
The staff goes that extra mile to make you feel comfortable and
welcome. I would give the Disney
cruise a 4 1/2 out of 5. The only
reason for not awarding the "5" would be the food - which is
OK, but not "WOW".
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