HOLIDAY MAGIC
Disney knows how to cruise
A cruise with Mickey Mouse and the gang may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the holidays, but Disney Cruise Line (http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/burnaby/cruise-lines/disneycruise-line) is pulling out all the stops on its Christmas and New Year’s cruises this winter.
As you might expect, Disney is an amazing choice for families. The line’s kids programs are second to none, and even adults can’t help but fall under the Disney spell. I personally know couples that don’t have kids — and don’t want kids — that sail with the line because their adult offerings and amenities are just so darn good. Plus, like Disney’s land-based theme parks, it’s practically impossible to resist a smile when Donald Duck or Captain Mickey wanders your way.
Every cruise line does Christmas, but Disney sprinkles just a little more of its magic dust over everything aboard the four classically styled ships in its fleet. If you’ve never seen a Disney ship before, it’s a pleasantly elegant affair, with swooping lines, a black hull, and a vibrant yellow “cheat line” meant to emulate the classic ocean liners of days gone by.
Aboard Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy this year, kids and kids-at-heart are going to be treated to a veritable wonderland of activities. Starting early this month, Disney will begin offering some incredible holiday cheer.
Things start on the first night of the cruise, with Mickey’s TreeLighting Magic — a tree “lighting” ceremony held in the ship’s soaring, three-storey atrium. Disney’s characters will lead holiday carols and will proceed to light the tree, which stands the full height of the ship’s atrium.
Also held in the atrium lobby is Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball, where guests will gather to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus with an event that features Broadway-style entertainment and holiday tunes that will surely turn into a singalong. A flurry of magic snowflakes rains down on the atrium as this happens, which adds that touch of Christmas — even in the Caribbean.
Other holiday amenities include roving Dickens-era carollers who stroll throughout the ship spreading holiday cheer. Kids can also take part in gingerbread house making classes, make holiday-themed crafts like decorating stockings and making holiday animation cells, and of course everyone is invited out to meet Santa.
Disney also offers an on-deck Deck the Deck Holiday Party. This tropical celebration features limbo contests under gigantic candy canes, dances designed for the whole family, and a conga line around the pool. Or, mom and dad can head to one of the many adults-only lounges for some holiday libations.
I personally think the coolest aspect of these cruises — from the kid that lives within me — are the Christmas morning celebrations. With Santa Claus behind the tree, kids and families are invited to join in a special surprise, along with musical performances. A traditional Christmas dinner will be served that night in the ship’s main dining room, and Christmas and Hanukkah services will be held on their respective days.
There’s still some spots free on Disney’s ships this winter, even if you’re not sailing on an actual Christmas sailing. And, of course, there’s no time like the present to plan for 2017.
For everyone reading this that thinks what I’ve just described is amazing, there’s probably another that’s cringed at every part of this. And that’s OK, too — a Disney cruise isn’t for everyone. You have to have a healthy love for the characters that roam the ship, and you have to be able to buy into the entire idea of really being a kid again.
But I will say this: if you’ve never been on a Disney cruise and you have kids ( big or small), this is really one of cruising’s most rewarding experiences. Disney may target families, but the line’s innovations, amenities, cuisine and service are all top notch.
There was a time when I was skeptical, too. And then I went on-board, and someone called out my name over a loudspeaker, as if by magic, and welcomed me. And I have to tell you, when you see Captain Mickey wave at you while you’re walking along the promenade deck, well, you become a big kid again. And you wave back.
Happy cruising. Visit portsandbows.com, sponsored by Expedia CruiseShipCenters, 1-800-707-7327, www.cruiseship-centers.com, for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Aaron Saunders may be contacted directly at portsandbowsaaron@gmail.com