Puerto Rico is a fantastic place to visit if you are a US Citizen without a passport. Since it is a US territory no passport is needed to travel to this beautiful country. There is something in this island country for just about everyone–beautiful beaches, jungles and rainforests to explore, delicious cuisine, historic sites, and vibrant culture.
El Yunque National Forest
Just one hour from San Juan is the El Yunque National Forest. Feel free to wander through the 25 miles of trails through the rainforest and even up to the top of Mt. Britton. After visiting you can check the only US tropical rainforest off your list of must visit destinations.
San Juan Beaches
There are beautiful beach options right in the city of San Juan. You can choose to go to the more chic and trendy option of Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach with a more laid back vibe. Another beach you might love if you are dreaming of the gorgeous sand, crystal clear water and hundreds of palm trees is Escambron Beach. Maybe you are up for a bit of an adventure. Seek out the hidden gem of Playa Pena right across from the Capitol Building.
San Juan Historic Sites
This Caribbean island has a fascinating history to explore. Spend the day touring the Spanish forts right in Old San Juan. Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal are within easy walking distance from each other and the cruise ship port. Take yourself back to the time of the Conquistadors and imagine how they lived and protected the island from their strategic location. As you walk through Old San Juan you can also visit the second oldest church in the Americas and the home and burial place of Ponce de Leon.
San Juan Culture
Puerto Rican culture is evident everywhere you look. From just stepping off the ship you are treated to the gorgeous colors and architecture of the Old San Juan cobblestone streets. Take a trip to the more modern areas of San Juan and enjoy the exciting nightlife, delicious restaurants, and world-class shopping.
Put San Juan, Puerto Rico on your must visit list!
Ways to get to Puerto Rico:
Flights to San Juan are only about 3 ½ hours from many mainland US cities
San Juan is a port of call on many Eastern and Southern Caribbean Cruise itineraries
Fantabulous Resorts Options in Puerto Rico (certainly not exhaustive)
Royal Caribbean: 60% off 2nd guest + Kids Sail Free (good until March 3, 2020) + Up to $150 onboard credit + get even more savings cruising Alaska
Celebrity: 1 Perk Included + Up to $500 saving/person for 1st and 2nd guest + 50% off 3rd, 4th, and 5th guest (in the same stateroom) + more perks with non-refundable fare
Norwegian: 30% off fare + Kids Free + Free Open Bar + Free Specialty Dining + Free Wifi + Free Excursions (on select cruises and some restrictions apply) + book NOW and get 50% deposit.
Princess: Best. Sale. Ever! With Gratuities, drinks and wifi included!
Viking Ocean Cruises: Special Cruise Savings + 2-for-1 Deposit
River Cruise Specials:
AmaWaterways: Triple Savings on select European, Mekong, and Holiday cruises–Up to $2000 savings per stateroom, complimentary stateroom upgrade, and $100 onboard credit per stateroom. Also 5% 2021 Early Booking Savings.
Viking Rive Cruises: Special Cruise Savings + 2-for-1 Deposit + Book Now, Pay Later + Up to FREE Airfare
Please contact me if you would like to start planning your trip to Puerto Rico or to take advantage of a cruise special! Please note: the above specials are available at the time of posting Feb 2020 and are offered for a limited time.
Book your 2021 vacation early and save on your top-choice balcony stateroom or suite!
5% Cruise Savings on Balconies and Suites PLUS up to $1,500 savings per stateroom on select departures when you book your cruise by June 30, 2020
AmaWaterways is delighted to share our incredible 2021 river cruise collection with you, which includes a brand-new Rhine River ship, AmaLucia, and four spectacular new Europe itineraries. Experience the majesty of stunning Lake Como, Italy; venture to the “Peace Capital” of Geneva, Switzerland; discover romantic new châteaux and gardens in France; and take a deep dive into Belgian history.
Whether you prefer exploring on a hilltop hike, biking through the countryside or simply enjoying the scenery from your balcony, it’s all waiting for you on an unforgettable AmaWaterways river cruise in 2021.
Dont miss out! Early Booking Reward for 2021 and 2022 Egypt Cruises
Uncover the mysteries of the Nile River and beyond on our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile cruise and land adventures beginning in 2021! Book now and save on all balcony staterooms and suites!
5% Cruise Savings on Balconies and Suites OR save $500 per stateroom on Riverview categories when you book your cruise by June 30, 2020
**Terms and Conditions apply to all discounts. Talk to your Travel Advisor for details.
All cruise lines have some great features and things they do well. But, today, I am going to let you know all the things that I think Disney Cruise does REALLY well. Things that set them apart from the rest of the pack!
Rather watch a video? At the end of this post there is a link to a live video I recorded on what makes a Disney Cruise special. The post and the video aren’t identical.
The Pool Deck
How Disney Cruise Line Excels–Part 1
Accommodations designed with the family in mind.
A heavy privacy curtain divides the room between the bed and the couch/drop-down bed which makes the room feel like two rooms. The curtain is so heavy that it really blocks the light from one side or the other.
Ample storage is provided. The bed is a little higher bed for under storage. The closet is nice and large for hanging items with a small drawer unit inside. Another cabinet is provided in most rooms as well as a desk/mirror area with multiple drawers, mini-fridge, and cabinet. There is room for everyone’s stuff!
Divided bathrooms (found in most deluxe staterooms) are A…mazing! One bathroom has the toilet and sink and the other has a shower/bath with a sink. Since they both have mirrors over the sink two people can get ready at the same time with loads room to move. They are small but AWESOME!
Dining
Rotational Dining! Each cruise ship has three different, fantastic restaurants that you don’t want to miss. Upon check-in, you are given your dining rotation between the three dining rooms for your trip. Your servers will move with you to each dining room which means you don’t have to let other servers know your family’s needs and desires.
Kid specific meals that are more than just chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese. Plus, kids can order food off of the regular menu if they choose.
Activity booklets are provided each night to keep your child entertained during dinner. Also, the Oceaneer’s club leaders will come partway through dinner time to take the children back to the club and you can enjoy the rest of your dinner.
Entertainment in some of the dining rooms. Listen to a jazz band, watch your own cartoons come to life, dance with your servers, or have Disney characters dance by your table. One dining room is quieter and without entertainment.
24-hour room service available.
Family Entertainment
Evening shows are all child-friendly. You do not have to ever be concerned that the entertainment might not be appropriate for your kids (always consider your child’s age).
Many planned activities for the whole family both in the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab and other areas of the ship. Try a family dance party, family crafts or family trivia.
Classic and 1st Run Disney movies playing almost all day long in the Buena Vista Theater and the outdoor Funnel Vision.
Fantastic Service
From your Room Steward to your Dining Room Servers to the cast members you see around the boat, you feel like everyone’s mission is to help you have the best vacation ever!
Special Offerings
Pirate Nighton most Caribbean and Bahamian cruises. You can don a bandana or bring your own Pirate garb to get decked out for the evening party. You might even be treated to some fireworks at sea. How awesome is that!
Frozen Night on Alaska cruises. Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf and friends for a day of adventure on the ship, dine on a menu from Arendel, and sing and dance at the evening deck party complete with “snow”.
Star Wars Day at Sea. On 7 night cruises, you can spend the day with your favorite characters around the ship and at special meet and greet opportunities (booked prior to the cruise). Indulge your inner child and bring an awesome costume, catch up on Star Wars movies in the Buena Vista Theater, join in special Star Wars activities such as droid racing, Resistance training, and learn the ways of the Jedi. Top the day off with an epic evening with games, music, and a galactic dance party and some FIREWORKS!
Marvel Day at Sea. Similar to Star Wars Day but geared all toward the best Marvel characters. Even Mickey and Minnie get into the action by dressing up in Marvel garb. Marvel movies and activities ALL DAY LONG!
Halloween on the High Seas (select cruises in September and October). Bring your costumes to really get excited about all the Halloween activities. Join Minnie and Mickey at the Mouse-querade party, try pumpkin carving, be pulled into the world of Tim Burton during an interactive movie with Jack and Sally, listen to haunted stories and trick-or-treat around the ship. This is only the tip of the iceberg of fun!
The Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise (select cruises in November and December) is a holiday wonderland. The ships become transformed with holiday spirit. Regular activities take on a Christmas theme as well as some special additions such as the Wonderland Ball and time with Santa.
Watch my Facebook Live on this subject!
What Makes a Disney Cruise Special! Part 1
Next week I will continue with Part 2. There are 7 more really cool things that make a Disney Cruise worth the extra cost. You won’t want to miss outt!
2-FOR-1 LAND + PREPAID GRATUITIES + COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE
See the landmark sights of Southeast Asia and thoroughly entice all your senses on a Mekong River cruise from AmaWaterways. Feel the rush of excitement as you take a trishaw ride down the charming streets of Vietnam or try your hand at making traditional Vietnamese rice paper. Hear the melodic chanting as you explore ancient temples and are blessed by monks in remote monasteries. Smell the intoxicating scent of spices wafting through floating marketplaces and then taste these exotic new flavors.
These are the enriching moments of travel that let you explore more about the cultures and traditions of exotic lands. A journey through the heartland of Vietnam and Cambodia is truly a trip of a lifetime.
Earn exclusive Triple Savings on select Mekong River cruises listed below when you book by December 31, 2019:
2-For-1 Land pricing on full cruise and land program
OR 25% SINGLE SUPPLEMENTOn select 2020 sailings throughout Europe
Book by December 31, 2019
Don’t miss your chance to experience some of AmaWaterways’ most popular and scenic river cruise itineraries in 2020! Book your cruise on select 2020 departures by December 31, 2019 and you’ll receive Free Economy Airfare! Or take advantage of our reduced single supplement of 25% on select balconies and suites.
Prefer an upgrade? Now you can receive 2-for-1 savings on business class seats on select 2020 departures!
Possible Sailings:
Tulip Time–7 day round trip to/from Amsterdam
Magna on the Danube–7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest or reverse
Legendary Danube–7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest
Europe’s Rivers and Castles–7-night cruise from Luxembourg to Nuremberg
Enchanting Rhine–7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
Magnificent Europe–14-night cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest or reverse
Grand Danube–14-night cruise from Vilshofen to Giurgiu or reverse
Even More Itineraries Available
Heidleberg, Germany Christmas Market Picture by Ama Waterways
AmaWaterways continues to build upon its tradition of excellence by providing the most exceptional vacation experience for you. In 2021, we continue this tradition by introducing a new ship and a dazzling array of new destinations and itineraries offering even more variety and choices for all types of travelers. Book your 2021 vacation early and save on your top-choice balcony stateroom or suite!
5% Cruise Savings on Balconies and Suites PLUS up to $1,500 savings per stateroom on select departures when you book your cruise by April 30, 2020
All specials are subject to Terms and Conditions. Contact Me or visit Ama Waterways for more details.
Royal Caribbean Cruise line has some great rates on cruises right now. They are offering 60% off the second guest and kids sail for less. This offer is good until December 3, 2019. Don’t miss out on these Royal Caribbean November Deals!
Bonus Deal: Wander Now Sale
**Book November 15-19, 2019 for Stateroom Credit
If you book within the next couple of days you will receive credit to your stateroom as well as the great rates. Stateroom credit can be used on dining, beverages, shore excursions, photographs and other activites. It cannot be used toward gratuities.
See chart below for the amount of credit you can receive! I love this extra Royal Caribbean November deal!
Stateroom Credit by booking November 15-19, 2019
5 Nights or Less:
6 Nights or Longer
Inside/Oceanview Cabin
$25
$50
Balcony Cabin
$75
$100
Suite
$75
$200
Ready to take advantage of these Royal Caribbean November Deals? Contact me today!
As I am typing this Guide to Character Meeting on Disney Cruise Line I am excitedly watching movie on Disney+ (the new streaming service). There were so many choices but I decided to go with one of my favorites, The Apple Dumpling Gang and I am LOVING it!
Now, on to the real reason for this post.
Character appearances are a fantastic part of a Disney cruise. Some people avoid the parks and take a cruise instead. They still get to see the Disney characters but stay away from the madness of the parks. There is no shortage of characters. While on board it feels like they are everywhere! Hopefully you will find this Guide to Character Meeting on Disney Cruise Line helpful!
Where do I go to meet the characters?
The Navigator (paper and app)
Do you wonder how you are going to find all the many characters on your Disney Cruise? Who to meet? When they will be there? Where to go? The Navigator is your complete guide to finding the characters. Each evening you can pick up the paper Navigator at Guest Services and plan for the next day. OR…
Even better, is to use the Navigator App. Download the app before leaving on your cruise. On the app you can search by character or by day to plan your day or even your whole week.
Excerpt from a Navigator showing Character appearances
Meet and greets all over the ship
You will find characters all over the ship. Most of the time the characters on our ship were centered around the Atrium on 3 floors. They would also meet and greet outside the Walt Disney Theater, the ticketed gatherings (more later), character breakfast, and of course, the Oceaneers Club.
Meeting Spiderman in the Oceaneers Club
At the parties, shows, dinner and some excursions
Your favorite Disney characters are also the stars of so many of the shows. It all starts with the Sail-a-Wave Party. Other shows with characters include the Pixar Pals Party (loved this one!), Frozen Deck Party, Pirate Deck Party, sometimes the Family Dance Parties, and the Goodbye party. Mickey, Minnie and Friends also show up at the Golden Mickeys. You also might book an excursion that gives an opportunity for you to spend some time with your favorite characters.
And, of course, you might see characters at dinner or just walking around the ship. At these times the characters do not stop for pictures or autographs. They welcome a high 5 or a wave as they pass by. You might even get really lucky with a quick hug.
When can we interact with the characters?
Meet and Greet
At the meet and greet times the characters will sign autographs, talk with you for a moment or two, and take a picture with you. There is a photographer that will take your picture. They are also happy to use your camera to snap a pic or two. This is your opportunity to bring your autograph books, pillowcases, photo mats, t-shirts or whatever else you might want the characters to sign as a keepsake.
MEET AND GREET DETAILS: The Meet and Greet sessions are scheduled for 15 minutes. A cast member will not allow anyone else to enter they line when it gets close to ending time. Some characters have nice backgrounds. The lines go pretty quickly even when they look long. Remember, the character will only be there for 15 minutes so you shouldn’t be waiting longer than that.
NOTE ABOUT USING YOUR OWN CAMERA: The lighting at the meet and greets is not very good. It can be kind of dark and often a lot of shadowing. I will note that the Disney pictures, while better than mine, were sometimes not spectacular.
Parties
You also get to have a lot of interaction during the parties. For example, during the Pixar Pals Party we could dance with the characters, take pictures and have a ton of fun with them. At the end of the cruise at the goodbye party the characters stood around for pictures and some fun.
A quick pic with Mrs. Incredible at the Pixar Pals party.
Gatherings
The gatherings are separate ticketed events. Prior to your cruise you can reserve a special time to meet the Princesses or Elsa and Anna. Reservations are free and are made based on your Castaway Club status. Platinum members can book 120 days before sailing, Gold members 105 days ahead, Silver members 90 days ahead and first time cruisers can book 75 days ahead. NOTE: If you are unable to get a reservation prior to departure check with Guest Service immediately after boarding to possibly get a time slot.
FROZEN Gathering: This is the only time you have to interact with Elsa and Anna.
PRINCESS Gathering: For us this was in the Atrium. It was nice to be able to see all of them at once. But, you will have a chance to see Princesses at other times. On our cruise we saw Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, and Tiana.
This extra special event delights children ages 3-12. During this whimsical tea time your prince and princesses enjoy stories, songs, and dancing with your Tea Party Hostess and Royal Pastry Chef. And, of course, devoted time with Disney Princesses.
In addition, your taste buds will be temped with tea and two delicious courses. Keepsake gifts will be given to remember this special teatime experience.
Cost: $220 for children and $69 for adults
Character Breakfast
This is also a special ticketed event. It is free but reservations must be made. What characters will be at the breakfast is constantly changing. It is an exciting surprise when you get there. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale. Make sure you tell your server if all of the characters have not visited your child.
Is every session with a character the same?
Throughout the cruise you will see multiple greeting times for some characters. There are a couple reasons. One reason is to give many people a chance to visit the characters. There is so much going on during the cruise that there needs to be multiple scheduled times to accommodate.
The other reason is that some characters, mainly Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Friends want to don more than one outfit to brighten up your day. They might show up in cruise wear one day, formal wear on Formal night, pirate garb, rain gear, or local outfits. One day on our Alaska cruise Mickey and Minnie wore Native Alaskan Parkas.
My biggest character meeting tip!
Use your Navigator app to plan out when you want to go and meet specific characters. On the app you can choose favorites and it will remind you at the time. If you do this at the beginning of your trip you can relax knowing you won’t miss out on any characters you really want to meet.
Thank you for reading this Guide to Character Meeting on Disney Cruise Line. I hope you found some helpful tips and tricks for cruise.
Is there a character that you just have to meet? One you would be heartbroken to miss? For me it was Joy! I love her!
We had a fabulous time on our Alaska Disney Cruise. But since it was our first one we definitely made some mistakes. Certainly not anything that negatively effected our trip but things to learn from for next time. So read on and hopefully you can learn from the mistakes we made on our Disney Cruise.
1) Boarding time is not arrival time
I planned to be at the port before our boarding time but I didn’t realize how long the process would take. We arrived at the port in Vancouver about an 1 1/2 hours before our boarding time. This was not nearly enough time to actually board at our time. There are so many steps in the process–baggage drop off, initial check-in, security checks, and a couple custom checks.
Lesson learned: Get to the port more than 2 hours before boarding time. There is an area to sit and wait to board after you are all checked in.
2) Waiting to Purchase Key Card Holder
I didn’t really think about this at all before leaving. In past cruises our kids were older and didn’t want anything hanging around their necks. But, I quickly realized after boarding that it would be very important for my young daughter to have a lanyard to hold her Key to the World Card. I certainly didn’t want to be digging for hers all the time. I knew that if she was responsible for putting it in her pocket it would be lost before dinner.
So, the hunt for a card holder began. Unfortunately, we had to wait until after we left port for the onboard stores to open up. Finally, after waiting and waiting (this was very difficult for my daughter who frequently asked if they would open soon) the doors opened. In we went, excited to see all the possibilities.
Sadly, our choices were very limited. I think there was three styles to choose from. Now, there were lots of pin trading lanyards but since the pocket was detachable I knew that with my daughter that would be a recipe for disaster. After much agonizing, one was settled on. Even though it was expensive (in my opinion $13 was quite a bit for a pocket) it was worth every penny. My daughter kept track of her very important Key to the World Card the whole trip. Bonus: we have it for the next cruise.
I will say there was one benefit for purchasing the lanyard on the ship. The plastic pouch ripped so it was unusable. We brought it back to the shop and they replaced it with a smile.
Lesson Learned: Purchase a Key to the World holder before leaving on the trip. They are invaluable for young children who want to hold their cards themselves.
3) Overpacking
On our last cruise (non-Disney) we dressed up for dinner almost every night. Not always fancy but at least changing out of shorts/swimsuit and into a skirt or nice pants. But not this time!
Our cruise was very casual. VERY! We had the late seating so I was able to see all the people going into dinner for the early seating. I was so surprised the first night to see so many t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans.
I had packed a change of clothes for almost every dinner. Most of them languished in the closet never worn. Why change if I don’t have to?!
Now, we were on an Alaska Cruise in September so shorts never graced my body. It might be different if I was on a Caribbean cruise and had to change out of my shorts to go to dinner.
Lesson Learned: Pack extra clothing for Formal and Semi-formal night but don’t worry so much about the rest.
4) Under Utilizing the Disney Navigator App
I downloaded the app before our trip which was a good first step. I really like paper and seeing all the activities at once and in comparison to each other. For this reason I didn’t really use the app much.
It wasn’t until the 5th day of our 7 day cruise that I was lamenting the fact I had missed some of the characters and wished I could have known ahead all the meeting times for characters. Another passenger informed me that ON THE APP you can look up each character and see all the meet and greet times throughout the week. Boy, this would have been helpful on day 1 or 2.
I wished I had know this for planning out the movies too. I sure loved watching movies on the ship. I know, I know. I’m quite silly but I really don’t get much chance at home.
Lesson learned: Look through the Navigator App right away. Pick favorites and enjoy the trip!
5) Letting the weather stop me
This mistake we made on our Disney Cruise is probably the only one I actually regret. As I said before, I thought it was kind of cold on our cruise. I did come prepared with insulated water boots, down coat, hat, and gloves. I donned them all for the important times such as the Frozen Deck Party and traveling up Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier.
Other than those two times I spent very little time outdoors. At the time I just didn’t want to be cold. But now, I look back and think, “Man! Why didn’t I even walk around the deck and sit for a bit and watch the beauty floating by?”
Lesson learned: Bundle up and spend at least a little time walking around the decks and watch the scenery.
6) Feeling Guilty About Skipping the Dining Room
We loved our dining room servers, the dining room atmosphere, and the dining room entertainment. We didn’t love the food and found ourselves wanting a change. I know it is silly, but we felt like we were letting down our servers if we ate elsewhere.
Finally, after looking at the next day’s activities we decided that we needed to skip dinner in order to do all we wanted to do. We hesitantly informed our servers and the next night ate at Cabanas for dinner.
When we walked in we expected to eat at the buffet. Boy, were we wrong! At night Cabanas is sit-down service. At first we were disappointed as we were in a bit of a hurry to eat. The initial look at the menu also was disheartening as it seemed very basic. But we ordered and it was actually our favorite meal. Go figure!
Lesson Learned: It’s your vacation. Do what you want!
7) Trying to Leave Ship with Hot Drink
As you know, we were on an Alaska cruise in September. Well, it was kind of cold and rainy. Having a hot drink while exploring Juneau sounded so fantastic! I went up to the drink station and poured myself a lovely cup of tea. Down I went to the exit the ship. But, unfortunately not with my tea! The security personnel informed me that drinks were not allowed to leave with me. Ah man!
Lesson learned: Find the first coffee cart on a cold day and get a hot drink. (or iced drink on a hot day)
Thank you for reading through all the mistakes we made on our Disney Cruise. Hopefully you find this a little helpful in planning your own vacation.
What mistakes have you made on your Disney Cruise that you don’t want to make again?
My daughter and I sailed on our first Disney Cruise at the beginning of September. Other than a fantastic, relaxing trip my purpose was to experience a Disney Cruise in order to be able to better inform my clients. I brought my 7-year old daughter for special Mother-Daughter time and as my “guinea pig” for the children’s programming.
Our first Disney Cruise took us on the Disney Wonder back to our Alaskan home. It is quite typical for Alaskans to have never visited the city and towns of Southeast. So, I was thrilled to explore the ports of Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait (Hoonah), and Skagway. But, I am focusing my gushing about the things I love to the the actual cruise ship.
Without further ado, here are the things that I LOVED about our Disney cruise!
1) Our Dining Room Servers–Potchara and Heny
Potchara and Heny, our dining room team, were fantastic. They made every dinner fabulous. They quickly remembered our likes and dislikes. They watched closely to when we needed anything and checked on us regularly (but not too much). They let us get to know them, about their lives.
2) Rotational Dining
The Disney Wonder has 3 main dining rooms. Rotational dining allows you to experience all the dining rooms during your cruise. Place’s decor is reminiscent of 1920’s New Orleans. Triton’s dining room style is more classic and subdued. The final dining room is Animator’s Palate. This last dining room initially looks bleak in all black and white. As dinner progresses this room transforms into a vibrant color palate. It’s so delightful!
3) Dining Room Entertainment
I vaguely remember reading something about live jazz in Tiana’s Place before we left on our cruise. But, I was totally unprepared for how cool it all was. The jazz band in Tiana’s Place was excellent. The second evening at Tiana’s our servers had a great musical number and encouraged all the guest to join in and dance around the dining room. So fun!
Animator’s Palate was my absolute favorite. The first time we dined there was a cute show after dinner. But, on our second dining at Animator’s Palate we experienced probably one of my favorite things on the whole cruise. Before they let us order we had to draw a character on a piece of paper. After dinner they took our characters and animated them into a cute movie. It was one of the cutest things I have seen in a long time! I LOVED it!!
4) All the Focused Attention on my Daughter
All throughout the cruise I felt that my daughter was respected as a traveler and not just along for the ride. I loved how kids were an important part of the cruise. It is truly a family friendly cruise with emphasis on creating special memories for children as well as adults.
At the Frozen Party a section was roped off just for kids so they could be close to the stage and join in with the dancing. So many activities could involve the whole family together. At the Oceaneers club, they would interact with the kids at things they enjoy doing. My daughter loved playing games with them.
One of the things that impressed me the most was how our servers looked at her in the eye (as much as she would let them). They spent time helping her decide what to eat, taking as much time as necessary without rushing her. They asked her what she wanted and listened to her requests. Every night Potchara would have a special activity planned such as origami or magic tricks. As soon as he realized how much my daughter loved the magic tricks he made sure he had one ready every night.
5) The Movies
I know, so silly. But, we rarely go to the movie theater. It was such a treat to sit and watch so many of the movies I really wanted to see but hadn’t. I loved the live action Aladdin and saw it twice. Watching the Lion King and Toy Story 4 on the big screen was so fun.
6) Frozen Deck Party
Freezing the Night Away! Even though cold and bundled up with hat and gloves I loved this show! It was so fun! Music reverberated across the deck. Dancing infected the feet of everyone. Anna and Elsa lit up the night. And even though I am very accustomed to snow, the snowfall on the deck was enchanting. I loved every minute of it! I can’t imagine how amazing a Pirate Party must be with fireworks on the Caribbean cruises.
7) Our Room Steward–Alvin
A cool cat courtesy of Alvin
Alvin was awesome! He always had a smile on his face. He always greeted us like he was happy to see us. One night we left our room a disaster only to come back to a neat and tidy space ready for us to sleep that night. He never made us feel like we were interrupting his duties when we changed our routine and messed up his. He crafted awesome towel (and blanket) creatures. He pixie dusted my daughter with Princess sheets and absolutely thrilled her by leaving them on a couple of nights. He made our trip extra special.
These were not the only things that I liked about out Disney Cruise. But, these were the things that, I believe, set Disney apart from other cruise lines. Now, I know that others may not agree with my opinions but that’s okay.
Now, it’s your turn. What was your favorite part of your Disney Cruise?
Have you wondered why so many people go on cruise vacations? Have you wondered if a cruise might be something your family would enjoy? Do you have questions about what benefits a cruise might provide over another type of vacation? Then, this post is for you! Read on to find out some reasons why you should take a cruise vacation.
We took our first cruise vacation in 2000. We sailed to the Western Caribbean. The cruise was a lot of fun but we didn’t’ go on another cruise until the summer of 2017. Why? Other vacation opportunities (aka DISNEY) called us elsewhere. But in 2017 my interest in cruising the high seas was renewed.
What’s great about a cruise vacation?
This post is all about why I think that taking a cruise is a great vacation option for your family. So, keep reading (this kind of long post) and find out why I think cruises are great!
Cruises are all-inclusive
On a cruise, you pay one price and that includes all of your food, lodging, entertainment, a lot of activities, and transportation to different places.
Cruise lines differ in the amount of all-inclusiveness. Some cruises include almost all the food and activities onboard. On others, there are sufficient complimentary choices to have a fantastic vacation but also have quite a few options with additional fees. A few cruise lines even include an excursion in each port.
On the cruises we have been sailed, we pretty much stick to the included stuff and have a fabulous vacation. I think the only thing we have spent extra on is a basic beverage package. Although, if we were on one of the ships with the go-karts we would have to splurge on a ride or two.
Delicious food
Dining options are abundant on almost every cruise line. Larger ships usually have more than smaller ones. The amazing selection of dining options is a great reason to take a cruise vacation.
Main Dining Room–This dining option is included in the cruise fare. These are fabulous sit-down meals at which you choose appetizers, salads, main entrees, and yummy, yummy desserts. Meals in the dining rooms are served a specific times. The really awesome thing is that you can order whatever you want. Do you want two entrees? Order both. Do many desserts look delicious? Order them all? Want a side from one entree and a different one from another? Feel free to mix and match. Where else can you order with such freedom! (Note of caution: be a bit mindful of wastefulness. If there are many things you like maybe think about sharing)
Buffet–The dining room serving the buffet is usually open more hours than the main dining rooms. At the buffet, you will discover many different fantastic food options. There is something for everyone and eating at the buffet doesn’t take nearly as long as in the dining room.
Complimentary Restaurant–On some ships there might be a smaller restaurant option that is included. It might serve lighter fare and a smaller menu.
Signature Restaurants–Signature restaurants are another fantastic dining option. On some ships, you might have one or two options but on larger ones, you could have 10 or more to choose from. These restaurants often have even better food than the classic dining room. These restaurants usually have a specific type of food such as sushi, Mexican, Italian, Bistro-style, and others. Most of these restaurants charge a small fee. But, sometimes cruise lines offer dining in their restaurants as an incentive and then you only have to pay the gratuities.
Snack Options–Your cruise might have a complimentary pizza parlor, hot dog stand or lounge with desserts. Maybe you can enjoy an ice cream soda shop or Coffee Bar (both usually additional fees apply).
Room Service–Most cruise lines offer room service right to your stateroom. Leave a placard out the night before and awaken to a delicious breakfast delivered right to your door. Maybe you would like an afternoon or evening snack. All possible with room service. Some cruise lines have complimentary room service and on some, there is a small fee. Check with your travel advisor about your specific cruise line.
Excellent lodging
Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wonder
From the simplest interior stateroom to the sprawling suites, the accommodations are top-notch. Your room Steward is always nearby to help you with anything you might need. Feel pampered with your bed turned down each night and put back together each morning. Your bathroom is cleaned twice a day as well as your room tidied.
For even more luxury on the major cruise lines, you can opt for suites and concierge-level service. Many lines have a special suite level that allows you to access special dining rooms, reserved outdoor pools and relaxation zones in addition to the glorious rooms that are just a cut above the rest.
Of course, you can step off the luxury even further by cruising on one of the actual luxury cruise lines.
World-class Entertainment
Entertainment abounds on a cruise ship. You might see a death-defying water show or a beautiful production on ice. Some lines produce Broadway-caliber plays and musicals for their guests. Evening shows are even worked around dining schedules so that each guest is able to see each production. You don’t have to worry about missing anything.
In addition to the nightly entertainment, you will find many other opportunities. Some ships have jazz clubs, piano bars, comedy shows, and more. Join in the fun of a Newlywed Game or Talent contest.
Abundant Activities
The rock climbing wall on the Oasis of the Seas
From morning to night activities are planned for your enjoyment. Trivia, pool games and parties, sports tournaments, Bingo, karaoke, contests, arts and crafts are just a few diversions to help you pass the time.
In addition to planned activities, there are many other things to do onboard the ship. Relax by the pool or jump in for some fun. Waterslides, other slides, rock walls, ice rinks, bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, escape rooms, sports courts, movies, carousels, trampolines, VR activities, video game rooms, and so much more. For those looking for tranquility, some ships have libraries, cozy nooks and crannies, and game rooms. Each cruise line and even each ship has different levels of onboard activities. Larger ships might have many while the smaller ones have just a few.
Cruises Help You Explore the World
A cruise ship is your floating hotel that takes you from one destination to another. You only have to unpack once and you get to explore many different countries and cultures. You can find an itinerary that will explore almost any part of the world you want.
Ocean cruises can take you to:
Bahamas
Caribbean
Mediterranean
Coastal Europe
Northern European Countries
Great Britain
US and Canada’s East and West Coast
Alaska
Hawaii
Panama Canal
Central America
South America
Polynesia
Australia and New Zealand
Singapore, Thailand and Southeast Asia
Japan
China
Antarctica
Africa
Middle East
India
Overlooking St. Maarten
River Cruises will explore these rivers around the world:
Danube–Europe
Rhine–Europe
Moselle–Europe
Main–Europe
Elbe–Europe
Rhone–France
Seine–France
Dordogne and Garonne–France
Douro–Portugal and Spain
Volga–Russia
Dnieper–Ukraine
Mekong–Cambodia and Vietnam
Yangtze–China
Ganges–India
Nile–Egypt
Chobe–Southern Africa
Amazon–South America
Columbia and Snake–Washington and Oregon
Mississippi–United States
Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio–United States
Great Lakes–US and Canada
St. Lawrence Seaway–US and Canada
A Cruise Line for Every Traveler
No matter how you like to travel there is a cruise for you.
Small Ships
Does a small ship that can cruise into small ports in out of the way locations appeal to you? There are cruise lines that just have small vessels that carry from 6 to just a couple hundred passengers. Love to sail? There is even a line that is made up of luxury sailboats. Wow!!
Large Ships
Are you someone who wants to go, go, go? You want to have many, many options for food, entertainment, and activities? Do you love to be in the middle of all the action? A very large ship that carries 4000-6000 passengers might be just for you. There are also cruise lines that cater to this more than others.
Major Cruise Lines
The major cruise lines have somewhat different flavors. Are you a foodie? Do you like to party? Do you like more tranquility? Do you want to cruise with a generally younger or older crowd? Do you want a very family-friendly vacation? Do you want a cruise that caters to your children?
Luxury Cruise Lines
Are you all about luxury, concierge service, and gourmet meals. Do you like educational, cultural learning and education on vacation? Certain cruise lines cater to this travel style beautifully.
Do you want a cruise that focuses on the family? Do you want to travel without any kids? There are cruises specializing in this too.
As you can see there is probably a cruise line out there that would fit the desires of your family!
Vast Array of Itineraries
Oh my goodness! As you saw above you can travel all over on a cruise ship. You can stick to oceans or travel inland waterways to see even more. But you can customize your trip even more which is another reason why you might want to take a cruise vacation.
Pick your number of cruising days
Do you want to cruise to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days? Yes, these are all choices. How about longer, 2 or 3 weeks? Maybe a month? Or even a year?
Pick Days at Sea vs. Port Days
More days at sea
Cruises are a combination of days in port and days at sea. Do you like to relax on the ship more? Cruise on an itinerary that has more days at sea and less ports. You could take a Transatlantic cruise, Transpacific or repositioning cruise.
More days exploring different countries
Are you hungry for adventure, culture and different countries? Pick an itinerary that stops more frequently in port. River cruises really do this well. Most of your time on a river cruise is spent in port exploring the area. There are also cruise lines that excel in this more than others.
Enjoy the ship on port days
Or, you can choose an itinerary that has some ports that you like and some that you don’t. Explore the countries you are interested in seeing. Stay on the ship for the ports that don’t excite you. You can stay on the ship on port days and enjoy all the ship has to offer with less people onboard.
Private Island Beach Days
Labadee, Haiti–One of Royal Carribean’s Private Islands
Some travelers love having beach days. Often ports will have a beach excursion option. But some cruise lines have their own private island stops for their guests to enjoy. They provide many beach activities as well as food that is included in the cruise fare. To make your day extra special, some up the ante with extra activities, beach clubs, cabanas, and water parks that are available at an additional cost. Plus, they often stay at their private islands all day so you can soak up all the sun.
Choose your itinerary wisely to either avoid private islands or to stop at your favorite one. If beach days are your absolute favorite you can even find itineraries that stop at private islands twice in one trip. Score!
So, Let’s Find the Cruise for You!
I kept this post pretty basic to get you thinking. Once you decide that a cruise vacation might be for you and your family it is time to dig into the details. A travel advisor will be able to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect trip for you.
Please comment below if you have other reasons you love cruising!
Questions about cruising? Let me know in the comments.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Want to do a little cruise research? Cruise Critic is a good place to start.
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