All aboard

Guests are welcomed in staggered boarding times and our group is lucky to be among the first on. The deck is almost empty with just a few families already setting up camp by the pool. It’s worth reminding your clients that staterooms do not open until the afternoon so if they want to go swimming as soon as they board, they should pack swimwear in their day bag. I take a stroll to the adult-only area, which has a bar on the edge of a small, serene pool. A bartender is poised and ready to serve the cocktail of the day – the Bahama Mama.

I am impressed with this 18-plus area, which includes a pool and bar, an indoor air-conditioned pub and a large sun deck at the front of the ship. Cushioned lounge chairs are protected by a glass windbreaker so guests can enjoy the premium view without the gale force as our impressive liner pulls away from port. Those who prefer a livelier atmosphere can join the sailing away party on the main deck – involving Disney characters, performers and lots of excited people cheering and waving goodbye.

The stateroom floors open from early afternoon and each floor has a designated cabin host to help with any guest needs or issues. My cabin, a deluxe ocean view with verandah, is surprisingly spacious with a king-size bed, sofa, dressing table and large wardrobe. Bathroom and toilet are small but cleverly designed in a way that maximises the limited space. Some 80% of staterooms on the Disney Dream have ocean views, of which 90% have balconies. Having outdoor space really helps dispel my fear of being boxed in. 

Cabins are elegantly decorated with only a nod to the Disney brand. You can reassure clients that they won’t be made to sleep in a bunk shaped like Pluto. In fact, most public areas on the ship feature only subtle character branding – just enough to provide a stylish ambiance with a sprinkling of fairy dust to delight. 

Culinary delights

The cruise fare includes three main restaurants – Animator’s Palate, Royal Palace and Enchanted Garden – that operate on rotation, with each party retaining the same server throughout the cruise. This means your waiter moves from restaurant to restaurant with you, which adds a personal touch as our waiter got to know our tastes. Of the three main restaurants, Enchanted Garden is my favourite, serving a classic, French-themed menu. Animator’s Palate is a crowd-pleaser with its interactive walls. 

The ship also boasts two adult-only fine-dining restaurants, Palo and Remy, which are included in the restaurant rotation for a small fee. I opt for Palo, a Venetian-themed dining room where every table looks out to sea and stylish Italian cuisine is served. The food is exquisite and the lounge is a romantic option for couples. Tables must be booked in advance and there is a formal dress code. Later, The District, an 18-plus entertainment area on deck four, has the option of a “proper pub” with a quiz night and board games, a sports bar, a chic champagne and cocktail lounge and a nightclub. Internet is available and operates at a decent speed, but prices are typically premium.

Parents hoping for some alone time will be comforted to know that children aged 3-12 are well catered for in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab, complete with a life-size Star Wars Millennium Falcon inside, open from 3pm until 1am. For babies, the nursery It’s a Small World is available, 9-12am. 

Mark Pilkington, head of commercial for Disney Cruise Line, says the value of a Disney Cruise Line holiday is that Disney considers all the family. “There’s upscale and sophisticated experiences exclusively for adults, as well as a wealth of activities to keep the entire family entertained and delighted, while spending quality time together.”

Even though I thoroughly enjoy the peace and sophistication of the “grown-up” areas, it isn’t long before I begin to envy the youngsters. Their areas are fun of a different kind. The main deck plays non-stop Disney movies. Watching Frozen with a deckload of people singing along to Let It Go is brilliant. Plus, as slick as the adult pool is, it doesn’t have the tube waterslide, the Aqua Dunk, which circles the ship as you swish around in a yellow dinghy. My big kid is finally unleashed – I have to have a go! The line for Aqua Duck can be quite long, especially in the afternoon, so the best time to ride is first thing in the morning or, even better, on the day of embarkation before all the guests have boarded.

Dock and stock

During the four-night cruise, the ship docks twice, first in Nassau, Bahamas, and then in Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol onboard, with a maximum of two bottles of wine or fizz, or six beers per person. I notice many groups stocking up in Nassau to enjoy in their staterooms for the remainder of the trip. 

Castaway Cay is as clean, well maintained and idyllic as expected. The island has two main beach areas, including one adult-only beach, Serenity Bay. This stretch of white sand is dotted with hammocks, sunloungers and a line of pretty wooden huts, which contain treatment rooms for the spa. There is also an outdoor bar with live music and cocktails mixed by a cheeky barman with a twinkle in his eye – everything I’d expect from a beach in the Bahamas. Waiter service along the beach is also available. For lunch, there is an all-inclusive beach barbecue offering burgers, chicken and a variety of veggie options.  

In the afternoon, I rent a bicycle and go for a pedal around the island. You can also hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and inflatable tubes from a sports hut next to the beach. The cycle route is flat, so easy for all fitness levels. For those with more energy to burn, you can sign up for the Castaway Cay 5k, which follows the same route. The fun, excitable atmosphere involves kids and adults alike and all finishers receive a medal. As I near the finish line, I laugh at the fact that I’d been worried about getting cabin fever – this is the most active I’ve been on holiday for ages. Other port adventures, such as jetskiing and parasailing, can be pre-booked on the ship, but are not included in the package.

Late afternoon, I have an appointment at the beachside spa, indulging in a full-body massage with the soundtrack of waves breaking on the beach. I reach peak happiness. The skilled massage therapists also work in the onboard spa, Senses, but there’s something about a spa treatment in such a natural outdoor environment that is extra special. Booking is essential and appointments can be made onboard at the spa reception. 

Serenity Beach

Later, I stroll along the shoreline as the sun begins to set. Only then do I realise how un-Disneyfied the Serenity Beach is. Looking at the sophisticated bar, spa and restaurant area, there’s nothing to suggest you’re on an island owned by Disney at all. 

“Although you may not see the famous Disney stories as prominently in the adult areas, the level of storytelling, creative inspirations and design details are consistent throughout,” says Pilkington.

This further confirms that being a big Disney fan is not essential to enjoy the Disney Cruise Line. In fact, if you want to avoid all reference to the characters and brand, you can. But who would want to? A little bit of Disney magic is good for everyone and being able to dip in and out will give reluctant clients confidence. Even I, as a cruise first-timer, can appreciate the beauty of a ship, which is finished to a perfect standard and offers flawless customer service.

Homeward bound

As we begin cruising back to Florida, I can’t believe I’d worried about getting bored. The variety of things to do is impressive and even those difficult-to-please customers will find something that catches their eye. Disney Cruise Line will be adding two new ships to their fleet in 2021 and 2023, so clearly customers agree. 

This holiday is a great option for multi-generation families as grandparents can enjoy time with the grandkids but have the option to escape to their cabin at leisure. Parents can enjoy a date night without the offspring in tow and the young ones will likely need dragging out of the kid zone. 

To my surprise, there isn’t too much Disney or too many kids – the balance is just right. Besides, with my sparkly Minnie ears on my head I fit in like a Disney dream.