The name Disney is synonymous with animation wizardry and theme parks that bring magic to life. When Disney got into the cruise business in 1995, their cruise ships brought the familiar themes of Disney characters to sea.
Disney cruises are currently available on two cruise ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, both of which call Port Canaveral, Florida, home. Two more Disney cruise ships are scheduled to join the fleet in the near future.
Caribbean Vacation on a Disney Cruise Ship
The tropical islands of the Caribbean are a very popular destination for cruise ships, and a Caribbean vacation can include a variety of Disney cruises; eleven, to be specific. For landlubbers or first time passengers on a cruise ship, a shorter cruise might make sense. The shortest Disney cruise to the Bahamas lasts 3 nights, and includes two ports of call.
The longest Disney cruise to the Caribbean lasts for 15 nights. Ports of call on this extended cruise, which travels through the entire Caribbean, and beyond, include:
- Aruba – This Dutch settlement features white-sand beaches, tourist friendly shopping and Arikok National Park.
- Puntarenas, Costa Rica – Topography ranges from active volcanoes to fabulous, sandy beaches. Bird watchers won't want to leave; more than 850 species call Costa Rica home.
- Manzanillo, Mexico – Another beach combing paradise, the local Las Hadas resort was featured in the Bo Derek movie, "10".
- Puerto Vallarta – On the Mexican Riviera, this popular vacation destination offers beaches, jungles, whale watching and incredible shopping.
- Cabo San Lucas – More fabulous beaches, great golfing, legendary nightlife and scenic nature hiking make 'Cabo' another terrific vacation destination. The waters in this area are home to some of the biggest Marlin in the world.
This fabulous cruise also includes a trip through the one and only Panama Canal, and disembarks in Los Angeles, California. Like all Disney cruise in the Caribbean, a stop in Castaway Cay, Bahamasis on the itinerary.
Castaway Cay is a Disney Cruise Exclusive
Castaway Cay is property of Disney, and the exclusive playground of Disney cruise guests. Located in the northern Bahamas, this 1000 acre island was featured in the Disney movie, Splash. Free childcare is available, so the adults can check out the water sports, nature trails and Serenity Bay, an adult-only beach.
Castaway Cay has been in the Disney family since 1998, but only about 55 acres are being used. The rest of the island, which was once a stop for drug smugglers, remains undeveloped.
Aboard a Disney Cruise Ship
The business of ocean-going cruises is competitive, and Disney cruises have found their niche. These cruises are family-friendly, and bringing the kids is the rule, not the exception. Disney cruises are not a great place for single passengers; cruisers who seek a floating party might want to check out another cruise line. In fact, NO Disney cruise ship features a casino.
So, for a family oriented Caribbean vacation that can last a few days or a couple weeks, a Disney cruise might be just what the Doc ordered. And Sleepy and Bashful and Snow White......
Dave Lovejoy - Dave is a graduate of the University of Nebraska. He is involved in farming and has a custom made furniture business that has customers ...
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