My kids have traveled. A lot. They are good travelers and even enjoy the process of getting there, knowing at the end of a long or stressful travel day that fun or their own bed await. But this most recent trip was different. Our recent sailing on the Disney Fantasy may have just blown their minds.
As a first-time cruiser, I have nothing to compare it to, but this is a beautiful boat. As with everything Disney, it’s spotless, with a cast member always nearby to look after things and help out when necessary. Our stateroom was compact but nicely appointed and fully functional. We also had a balcony, which served as date central for us once the kids were asleep, as well as filled our stateroom with fresh sea air every morning. Experienced cruisers can insert their eyeroll here, but I found it lovely that our stateroom host, Carlos, knew of our schedule and made up our room in the morning, or turned down our room when we went for dinner. Part of that turn down service included preparing the bunk that magically descended from the ceiling, and chocolates on our pillow.
In addition to traditional comfort food, the ship’s dining options included a good range of healthy choices, as well as more adventurous dishes in the dining rooms. The adult-exclusive restaurants require reservations, adhere to a strict dress code, and are an additional expense, but they are an elegant option for mom and dad to sneak away for a special meal. Our favourite restaurant was the Animator’s Palate. There, my daughter doodled a character on a placemat and then watched her character dance with Mickey in classic Disney scenes during the dinner show – truly an example of Disney magic.
During days at sea, you are spoiled with choices for on-board amenities and activities. Waterplay on Deck 11 rules for family fun, that is if you can tear the kids away from the kids’ clubs to actually spend time with them. The Oceaneer’s Club and Oceaneer’s Lab are included in your fare and offer supervised and age-appropriate programs and activities for kids aged 3-12. Little ones will love the It’s A Small World nursery, where for $6/hour babies as young as 12 weeks can be cared for by a team of doting cast members.
Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is an easy port-of-call beach visit. Our day spent playing in the soft white sand by the clear turquoise sea was our family’s favourite day – capped off by that evening‘s pirate party and fireworks. All the shows on board the Disney Fantasy had amazing song and dance numbers, with fantastic costumes and special effects. After a jam-packed day the idea of an early night was tempting, but the kids did not want to miss any of the action, and neither did we!
The Disney Fantasy will be sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, with ports-of-call including St. Maarten, St. Thomas in the East, and Grand Cayman and Cozumel in the West. Both itineraries will include days at sea to enjoy the ship, as well as a stop at Castaway Cay. For more information visit www.disneycruise.com
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Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel – your guide to family travel with babies, toddlers and young children. Connect with her at Have Baby Will Travel or on twitter @hvbabywilltrvl
