While Disney is always associated with family oriented themes and theme parks, the entertainment firm’s ships have a somewhat split personality. One section is set aside for multi-generational sharing of facilities and another, albeit smaller, caters exclusively for adults not traveling with children or those parents and grandparents who would like a break from the kid’s world. The separate adult facilities include bars, lounges, entertainment, restaurant and swimming pool.
Fleet
Completed in 1998 and 1999, the 1750-passenger Disney Magic
and Disney Wonder were the first and still only purpose-built family-oriented
ships. Significant features are the family-size cabins, some interconnecting
and double bathrooms. The hardware on the Disney pair is tops and the look is
of a sleek ocean liner. In early 2007 Disney announced letters of intent for a
second pair 50 per cent larger to be delivered in 2011 and 2012. Design feature
details and itineraries will be announced at a later date.
Itineraries
The Disney pair sail mainly in the Caribbean and to the
Bahamas on 3- 4-, and 7-day itineraries with occasional repositioning of one
ship to the West Coast and to the Mediterranean testing the market and bringing
the Disney product closer to more potential passengers.
Dining and Decor
The two ships have three theme restaurants that passengers
rotate through on successive nights, keeping the same wait staff and even table
numbers. For adults only, there is an Italian restaurant charging a modest
service charge with decidedly whimsical Italian décor. The rest of the décor is
art deco, art nouveau or Disney themed as one might expect.
Programs
Disney programs on stage and in films dominant the
entertainment program. Children are catered to in specific age groups. In
additions, one swimming pool is for young children only, another for families
and a third adults only. Adults also have their own entertainment.
Onboard Experience
Naturally, the atmosphere is casual as the ship trades in
the good weather regions. Disney permeates the experience with Disney
characters moving about the ship and Disney entertainment – shows and films –
in the theaters. But adults who come aboard can have their own cruise
experience without children present.
Competitors
While the Disney theme, décor, entertainment and Walt Disney
characters are clearly evident, the popular lines such as Carnival, Princess
and Royal Caribbean do an equally fine job catering to families with age
specific activities.
