Disney Cruise: Part 1... The Sights

Disney Wonder

There are four Disney Cruise ships. The original two ships were the "Magic" and the "Wonder". They are both very similar in size and passenger capacity. (10 Decks/ 2400 passengers) The Magic was recently in dry dock and underwent numerous renovations. She's shining like a pretty penny! Photo Gallery of the new "Magic"

The two newest ships are the "Dream" and the "Fantasy." They are similar in size and are about 40% larger than the Magic and Wonder. The new ships have 16 decks and can carry about 4000 passengers plus crew.

All four ships have Disney characters, Disney decor, and outstanding Disney service. The ships' stacks are some of the most recognizable at sea, with their bright red colour and Mickey Mouse Ears. The ships's whistle is the same chords used to start the old Disney Sunday night television movie. (I remember those family dinners with much fondness!) "When you wish upon a star"

I have been on the Wonder and found it to be the perfect size for this Canadian girl. Anything bigger would have overwhelmed me. Though, I must say, that the Disney scheduling of 2 dinner times/2 show times it never really felt crowded onboard. Genius, really!

At holiday times, the ships are decorated and have an extra layer of magic, in my opinion. The Christmas tree and decorations (in November 2013) were magnificent. Characters are in holiday clothes too. It sure makes for great family photos.

Whether it's the deck chairs or the ice cream sundaes you will find all those Disney touches that make your cruise extra magical.  There is something to see at every corner. Adults and kids alike wander the ship wide-eyed! I know I did!

Port of Galveston in the background.

Outdoor movies by the pool

 

Baby, Let's Cruise

If you're going to cruise with kids, who else would you choose, but Disney?

There's a bargain to be had out of the Galveston, Texas port later this fall. Now that Disney has 4 Ships (Magic, Wonder, Dream & Fantasy... in chronological order) they can move them around the globe and offer many different cruises.

One example is the Alaska Cruise that the Wonder does in the Summer. Later, the Wonder is the ship that will be repositioned to Texas, and later still, over to Miami for service in early 2014.

If you're looking for a bargain, you can check Disney's own site under the "specials" section. Currently they are offering discounts from Galveston or Miami on fall time cruises. There is consistently a Military discount as well. Sometimes there are offers for Canadians specifically, like when the Wonder cruises to Alaska from the Vancouver port.

I have done the Disney cruise to Alaska. It was in 2011, the first summer it was ever offered. Breathtaking scenery, but something I only ever need to do once.

Cruising, on the other hand, I could probably be convinced to go to the Caribbean.

And with some of the Disney deals, I might actually be convinced.

Check out these comparables:

If you look at the two November 16th cruises, there is a significant price difference. New ship vs old ship. Coastal Port vs Texas port. 

Then the 23rd cruise is from Port Canaveral, on a new ship and travels to Grand Cayman, 2 Mexico Ports and Disney's own Castaway Cay (Bahamas). 

Where's the bargain? As I see it, Galveston. For several reasons.... 1) Ports (Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) the older ship has the identical famous service and characters and fewer passengers to share it with. 

There's much more to talk about here, but that will be our next chapter.