On Friday I had my first experience of Disney Cruise Lines due to a day visit on the Disney Magic. Now I must say (and I probably shouldn't!), that I was a little fearful of a trip to a Disney ship. Though I have worked on ships and recently enjoyed both the Azura and Independence of the Seas, my initial thoughts of Disney Cruise Line were of a full-on, almost intimidating Disney experience. I had pictures in my head of over-excited Americans, 6ft Disney characters everywhere and too many bright lights and kid's sing-a-long theme tunes.
I couldn't have been further from the truth if I tried! A pleasant relief for myself was the instant impression Disney made. The ship, a little older at 12 years than most modern liners in Europe, boasts beautiful sleek lines from the outside and a classy, relaxed and friendly atmosphere onboard.
We boarded the ship straight into the atrium, which has a very traditional and classic feel to it, combining a contemporary 100-glass-trumpet-piece chandelier with a subtle and classic Mickey Mouse statue. As we walked through the ship we visited the variety of bars and restaurants, most of which were understated and relaxed with a subtle splash of Disney opposed to an imposing presence.
Up on deck they have a fantastic balance of family entertainment and quiet relaxation, there are family friendly pools with water slides and character animations, then further along the deck the other pool offers a more chilled feel with the bar, hot tubs and huge outdoor screen playing classic Disney films. There are both the child only kids club areas and one of the adult only bars all within a stones throw from one another, as well as the adult only luxurious spa and salon.
There are two fantastic theatres onboard that offer character inspired Broadway-style shows and a combination of the latest and greatest Disney films, from Toy Story 3 (in 3D) to Caddy Shack. The restaurants offer a fantastic variety from the vibrant, Caribbean themed Parrots Cay to the classic ballroom inspired Lumieres. My favourite had the be Animators Palate, when you arrive the restaurant is totally black and white, like the famous 101 Dalmatians, but at the evening goes on the 'animations' develop colour, as do the waiters uniforms. The food was also exceptional, I would even say comparable in standards (if not style) to the Queen Mary 2, the last ship I visited.
Before I arrived I was a little dubious about the appeal of these ships but the Disney 'Magic' has completely changed my perception of this fantastic cruise line. This really a the perfect family cruise ship, and one I intend on cruising on soon.
Written by Stephen Adam