So, I new I would be writing this message as I looked from my Stateroom aboard the Disney Wonder out to Freeport on Grand Bahama. The view was that of what looked like a derilect cruiseship graveyard. Smack dab in front were 3 Big Red Boats.
I hope the Mods will pardon what is in some sense a Trip report, but is really more of comment on Disney.
First I have never been on a cruise. I will say now that I will never go on a cruise that isn't a Disney Cruise, and you may take that for what it is worth.
I THINK I'm the first of the Rumours Heavy hitters to go on a Disney cruise and I must say that Every single one of you MUST go.
This was one of the best trips I've ever taken (well it was my honeymoon, so I guess I'm biased) We took the 4 day cruise. The food is on par with anything at the World. the ship is exquisite in every Detail. As we drove over the Causeway to Port Canaveral, you could see the Wonder standout while the Royal Carribean and Carnival Ships offended the senses. The Blast of the Horn as you leave let you know that this was a cruise as only Disney could do.
The shipboard entertainment was excellent. (Who wants to be a Mousekateer wins the award as best use of who wants to be a Millionaire.)
I can't say enough about Castaway Cay. (seceret hint, bring your own Snorkel Equipment)
I think we spent all day snorkeling.
There was one and only one negative about the Cruise and that was the Ports of Call. The 4 Day cruise stops at Nassau and freeport. to my mind Freeport is just a small version of Nassau and both are (as one young florida couple we met called it) Skeezy.
My wife and I would both recommend that you take the 3 day cruise instead of the 4 day and skip Freeport. I would BEG Disney to on the 4 day cruise spend two full days at Castaway Cay.
At any rate, the flaws with the Disney cruise were essentially out of Disney's control, so I don't fault them.
I remember a couple of month's ago AV suggested that the cruiseline could be managed by a different company and do just as well.
I respectfully disagree. I am a self proclaimed Poly Snob and these ships met the same expectations that the Polynesian sets.
Plus Disney is (from what I've been told) the only Cruiseline with Bathtubs in the Staterooms.
So, I would have to say that the Cruiseline is certainly one of the greatest successes of Disney.
I hope the Mods will pardon what is in some sense a Trip report, but is really more of comment on Disney.
First I have never been on a cruise. I will say now that I will never go on a cruise that isn't a Disney Cruise, and you may take that for what it is worth.
I THINK I'm the first of the Rumours Heavy hitters to go on a Disney cruise and I must say that Every single one of you MUST go.
This was one of the best trips I've ever taken (well it was my honeymoon, so I guess I'm biased) We took the 4 day cruise. The food is on par with anything at the World. the ship is exquisite in every Detail. As we drove over the Causeway to Port Canaveral, you could see the Wonder standout while the Royal Carribean and Carnival Ships offended the senses. The Blast of the Horn as you leave let you know that this was a cruise as only Disney could do.
The shipboard entertainment was excellent. (Who wants to be a Mousekateer wins the award as best use of who wants to be a Millionaire.)
I can't say enough about Castaway Cay. (seceret hint, bring your own Snorkel Equipment)
I think we spent all day snorkeling.
There was one and only one negative about the Cruise and that was the Ports of Call. The 4 Day cruise stops at Nassau and freeport. to my mind Freeport is just a small version of Nassau and both are (as one young florida couple we met called it) Skeezy.
My wife and I would both recommend that you take the 3 day cruise instead of the 4 day and skip Freeport. I would BEG Disney to on the 4 day cruise spend two full days at Castaway Cay.
At any rate, the flaws with the Disney cruise were essentially out of Disney's control, so I don't fault them.
I remember a couple of month's ago AV suggested that the cruiseline could be managed by a different company and do just as well.
I respectfully disagree. I am a self proclaimed Poly Snob and these ships met the same expectations that the Polynesian sets.
Plus Disney is (from what I've been told) the only Cruiseline with Bathtubs in the Staterooms.
So, I would have to say that the Cruiseline is certainly one of the greatest successes of Disney.
but I have been on the cruise - twice in fact. Once on the 3 day when the Magic was still doing them & once on the 7-day trip. And I agree that this is one area in which Disney is doing very well. The service can be excellent (and sometimes just average, but that's the worst it gets). The facilities are beautifully maintained, with nary an unpolished brass bit or un-lit lightbulb. 
