Cruises are one of the best forms of vacation, not to mention when it is DCL. The snow is beginning to fall and the wind chills are falling below zero, but the dreams of Disney Cruise Line cruises keep me warm. Here's some reasons why DCL is the best cruise line for people of all ages. (Basically, all inclusive vacations are the best.)
1. FREE ICE CREAM or should I say, eye scream.
The deck 9/deck 11 free ice cream, soda, coffee, tea, hot chocolate gives life. There's nothing better than free stuff that's available all the time. What happens if 3 am insomnia hits? Just grab a hot chocolate and watch the ocean glide and ripple.
2. Free poolside food.
The deck 9/deck 11 free poolside snacks are on par with the best casual diners. Open throughout the day, the free pizza, burger, fries, and fruit keeps you going during all the fun cruise activities without any extra charge.
3. Kids? What Kids?
Most people think that a Disney Cruise would be filled with children. Guess what?! outside of the kid's pool and character meet and greets, the kids are generally contained in the kids clubs. (Which, by the way, most adults should be jealous of because the are genuinely the most amazing version of a mix of a summer camp, daycare, and the Disney Parks all rolled in one.) Drop the kids off when they wake up and pick them up before you go to bed. It is truly an amazing thing. Plus, the kids club range from infant to 18. The infants cost extra, but everything else is included in the cruise itself. What kid doesn't want to be able to have dance parties with Mickey, go to Marvel Academy and have all the Disney themed spaces at their fingertips?
4. Adult Only Areas
The adult pool, the spa, the adult pool, the nightclubs, and of course, the adult restaurant. I really think you could make it an entire cruise by going to only adult only events and never seeing a soul under the age of 18 if that is how you feel. There is literally a night venue for any taste, from pub to true night club to champagne lounge -- all with the fun of Disney!
5. The Rainforest
The DCL ships have an amazing spa. Some ships feature the Rainforest: an amazing deal for spa access for the entire cruise. You can relax in the sauna, take a sensory shower, and then nap on the heated rock loungers overlooking the ocean. I think their sauna has a better view than most oceanside penthouses. It is rarely advertised and is quite the deal.
6. The Restaurant Rotation
Disney has the art form of rotation dining down to an art: same wait staff, and rotational dining. Three formal dinners rotate for guests. The restaurants are all different on the different ships except for Animator's Palate, a classic. For casual options, the buffet space is always open, and there are tiered additional cost, even fancier restaurants for the adults only. However, the formal dinners are more than fabulous. If you can't decide between the chicken or fish, order both! It is all prepaid, so eat as much or as little as you want. Also, each of those meals come with some form of entertainment in the Disney way.
7. Deck Parties
The deck parties are something only Disney can do. They are fun filled dancing, wild, character filled extravaganza that make memories for a life time. The Pirates IN the Caribbean will forever be my favorite. Pirates Night is truly a memorable event and fun for all ages. Don't forget to dress to the theme!
8. Comedians/Jugglers/Entertainment Acts
I can say I've seen the Sherman brothers, I've seen some of the best comedians and jugglers. Have you seen a man juggle a garden weeder and knives on a moving ship? The up and coming talent they bring in next to already well known names is truly impressive. There is a family show, adults only shows, and of course first run movies. If you are on a lucky cruise when a Disney movie premiers, you get to see it early. Why? Because 'WE OWN IT!' It truly is amazing.
9. The Broadway Style Shows
The Disney produced, Broadway Style shows in the evening are stellar. I would go see Villains Tonight! on Broadway if it were there. The music get stuck in my head along with the Golden Mickeys. It is a beautiful combination of classics, classics with a twist, and new content! Between, 'all because of a shoe!' and 'faith, trust, and pixie dust', you'll be humming show tunes for all eternity.
10. The Disney Touch
The most amazing things about DCL are the Disney touches: the things that aren't expected, but put them over the top. The little details that don't get forgotten. The crew members that actually get to know you, the cleanliness, the amazing food, and of course the Disney magic. Whether it's chilling with Stitch in the elevator, or walking down the deck with Jack Sparrow, there's something for everyone. Magic is truly timeless.
