Choosing your Disney Cruise
Well it should be a breeze. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when initially choosing your Disney Cruise. Here are some of the most important questions to get started:
- Are you traveling alone?
- Are you traveling with children?
- Which is better for you, a short cruise or a long cruise?
- Which activities are worth your time?
- How much Disney do you want on your cruise?
The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line is your no-nonsense, consumer-oriented guide to Disney’s cruise vacations. We’ll point out the best of Disney’s ships and itineraries, including a couple of stellar restaurants, top-notch children’s activities, and Castaway Cay, one of the best vacation islands in the Caribbean. We’ll also tell you which on-board entertainment and restaurants should be skipped, including what to do instead. Along the way we’ll show you how to save money, choose the right stateroom, ship, and itinerary, and how to get to and from your cruise with ease.
New for the 2015 edition, we’ll give you the run-down on the most popular shore excursion, including comments from travelers about their experiences. If you want to save money and take excursions of your own, we’ll provide detailed itineraries including new maps to help you explore the best that each port has to offer.
Sample itinerary: Blue Lagoon Sea Lion Encounter, Nassau
Cost: $115 (ages 10 and up), $109 (ages 8 & 9).
Age restrictions: All guests must be at least 8 years old. For Guests ages 8-12: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Sea Lion Encounter. For Guests ages 13-17: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Sea Lion Encounter or the corresponding Sea Lion Observer excursion.
Activity level: Mild.
Mobility restrictions: Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the vessel on their own. Guests must have the ability to go up and down steps and ramps. Guests with visual or hearing disabilities must be accompanied by a paying, participating adult. This program is not suitable for expected mothers, guests with mobility or mental disabilities of any kind.
Total duration of the excursion: 4 to 4.5 hours.
Approximate duration of the actual animal interaction: approximately 20 mins.
Mode of transportation to the excursion: Double-decker catamaran to/from Blue Island Lagoon. Plus walking.
Food notes: Food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase at an additional cost.
Photography notes: Cameras and video recorders are not allowed in the sea lion enclosure or deck area. Photos may only be taken from the observer’s platform, approximately 30 feet away. Close-up photos may be purchased from the excursion vendor. Bring cash or currency.
Attire notes: Participants will be in waist deep water. Swimsuits are required. Wet suits are available, free of charge, during winter months. Complimentary lockers, for personal belongings and changing rooms are available. Guests will be asked to remove jewelry prior to interacting with the sea lions. Plan to leave valuables on the ship.
Guest observations: “This was the highlight of our trip.” The sea lions were “so cute” and have “such great personalities.” They are “much more interactive than dolphins” and “better than our stingray encounter.” We “shook hands,” “kissed, and hugged” and fed fish to the “surprisingly furry” creatures. We learned about “sea lion medical care and food preparation.” “The pictures were expensive.” Staff may be “somewhat disorganized.”
Also check out our blog on the best Disney Cruise Line Shows and When to book a Disney Cruise
