Disney ventured into the cruise business in 1995 and today, they own nearly 3% of the worldwide cruise market. The popularity of these cruises perhaps explains why Disney has just commissioned two new cruise ships that are fifty percent larger than the originals. Family cruises were uncommon until Disney entered the market. Today, families are jumping onboard as child centered entertainment and quiet areas for adults have something for every member of the family.

Most travelers that vacation on Disney cruises are families with children and Disney caters to this demographic like no other cruise line truly can. There are outstanding, creative programs and activities offered for children. The fun starts from 9:00am to midnight and children from 3 (toilet trained) up to 14 are entertained with age appropriate activities. For teens from 13 – 17 Disney provides challenging games, photography lessons, sporting contests, beach events, parties and an adult-free venue to hang out with new friends.

For adults who value some get-away time from their children while they are enjoying their supervised fun, there are plenty of activities and quiet venues to soak up some much needed relaxation. From an adult only spa and fitness facility, a pool featuring a bar and café, Palo, a romantic restaurant with nightclubs and lounges, there are plenty of child-free zones where parents can really enjoy the peace and quiet. Please note that booking a reservation for Palo is mandatory and requires a small cover charge. Also, there are no casinos on board Disney ships and smoking sections are strictly limited.

For an adult evening out, keep in mind that Disney does not offer private, in-cabin babysitting. However, nursery care is available for an hourly fee which is open during select hours for children as young as three months to three years old. You must provide your own diapers yet nursery attendants will change.

Entertainment on the Disney ships is suitable for all ages. Broadway style shows are offered every evening. While not as superb as Disney’s shows in New York, you can be assured your family will enjoy the elaborate costumes, special effects and highly entertaining programs that will have your children singing out the door. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without characters! Rest assured, they are everywhere. There will be ample opportunities for your child to have a photo opportunity with Mickey Mouse and the rest, though be warned, lines can be long. Another nice feature is Disney is the only cruise line allowed to set off fireworks from the ship. While this starts at 10:30pm, which can be a fairly late hour for children, this is a possible once in a lifetime event that shouldn’t be missed!

Of course, no cruise review would be complete without discussing the food. While the meals have improved tremendously since Disney launched their first ship, you can expect to see cuisine focusing on American and Contenitial fare. Several restaurants with different themes and menus are equally fine. Naturally, children’s menus are available at all (with the exception of Palo) as well as vegetarian and healthy menu selections. The highlight for many families is the Parrot Cay restaurant. Waiters often break out in song and within minutes your family is up and joining the conga line. There are several other options for food, including fast food locations as well as fruit and ice cream bars. Room service is available 24 hours though the menu is limited.

The cabins on Disney cruises range from standard rooms comfortably fitting a family of four, to deluxe suites with two bedrooms and private concierge service. The rooms also offer storage, cable television, 1.5 bathrooms and toiletries.

Disney offers several vacation packages in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Alaska and Pacific Coast and Canada and New England. Prices vary of course depending on what time of the year you travel and the length of your cruise. Discounts are given when booking your vacation well in advance. Children from the ages of 3 to 12 are charged a child rate, while teens from 13 to 17 are charged adult fares.

The food is tasty and the ship has been really a dream. I was wondering if the cruise with be “worth” the added fare.While it is very early to say, so far I will say I have only one complaint. The size of the TV in the room is not much bigger than a laptop and with the family suite being broken in 2 sections, perhaps 2 tv sets would be a good idea.

More on the first Disney voyage to come…