We were a little leery at first, only because Disney being such a family-orientated concern would not have much for couple's without children to do or as we have experienced on the other cruise line having the kids jumping in the pool, the hot tub and not having a quiet place to relax and just enjoy the cruise. However, after receiving Disney's free DVD on their cruises, which showed just how everyone, singles, couples, and families would have the time of their lives, we booked! In addition, before I go any further let me say this: The cruise exceeded our expectations, it was the best, most enjoyable cruise we have ever taken! We already have plans for next year and beyond!

Ok, so what makes Disney Cruise line the best out there? Well let us start with the Ship itself. The staterooms are the largest we have ever seen. (25% larger than standard) Most have a large window (Portal), the best feature being the bathroom and showers are separate. Nice for privacy. This is a major advance over other cruise lines. Most of the cabins sleeps four and are family friendly. Lots of room! The ship has many pictures of the Disney cartoons and Characters all around and we found that the ship just looks cleaner and brighter than we were used to. You felt right at home here. Of course, everything from the pools, the restaurants, the nightclubs, and such are themed as only Disney can do it. Every cruise line has a great crew working, but we found that everyone we passed here gave us a cheery hello, how's your cruise, etc. The room attendants did a fabulous job and they even helped my wife find her lost bathing suit. The same attention and friendliness you receive in the parks from cast members is mirrored here.

How about the food? Well every cruise line serves food from the minute you get up until the wee hours of the night. The same goes for Disney. However, the Disney Cruise experience goes that extra magical mile. There are four differently themed restaurants on board. You have "Lumiere's" located deck 3 midship. "Parrot Cay" deck three aft, "Animator's Palate" deck 4 aft and the specialty restaurant "Palo" deck 10 aft. You dine at each of the three restaurants for breakfast and dinner on a rotating basis with your waiter and assistant who follow you! Therefore, you get a different experience each day. Each restaurant is themed differently and the menus change daily. Then there is Palos, the Italian specialty restaurant. This exquisite, adults-only gem will only cost an extra $10.00 per person. However, beware, the seating is limited, and it is always booked up for the entire cruise. Most people make reservations when they book the cruise. My wife and I tried to get a table when we boarded, but no seats were available. However, the manager took our name in case of a cancellation. On the third day, we got a table, and the waiter and staff went all out to make our anniversary special. The restaurant is beautiful and the wait staff Disney perfect. We would book Palo every day if space were available. Now for those folks who like a casual buffet breakfast and lunch instead of the restaurants, the Topsider buffet is open for breakfast and lunch. By the Mickey's pool, you have Pluto's Doghouse serving all day hot dogs, hamburgers, fish sandwiches, tacos, veggie burgers, bratwurst and more. Pizza is also available at Pinocchio's Pizzeria and 24-hour coffee, ice tea, soda, tea and hot chocolate on deck 9 midship. Another plus for those who love to eat is Goofy's gallery, which serves up fresh sandwiches, salads, and fruit. The quality of the food from the restaurants to the quick service is the best we have had on any ship and it is unlimited!

Entertainment

There is something for everyone from one year to 100 years. I have never seen such a diversity of activities and shows that no matter what your age is, you will find something entertaining. There are planned activities for all age groups. Therefore, no matter how old your children are, you can drop them off, get a pager, and enjoy some of the adult entertainment and shows available. Even the teen crowd has their own nightclub, the "Stack" where they can enjoy the nightlife. The comics and magicians that were on board where fantastic, they performed family shows and later in the evening, the adult shows began. Of course, there are the nightclubs for the adults, the adult coffee shop the "Cove" next to the "Quiet Cove Pool" also for the adults. The kids have "Mickey's Children's Pool", the older kids can swim at "Goofy's Family Pool. Every age group has a place to play. There are also character Meet and Greets all over the ship. Disney also puts on some of the best Broadway style shows around at the Walt Disney Theatre. It is hard to believe you are at sea, the sets, performances and stories are breathtaking. Whether you are single, a couple seeking a little romance, or a family looking for the vacation of a lifetime, you will find it all on a Disney Cruise.

The ports of call differ on the length of the cruise you take; we took the 7-day cruise, which stopped at St. Maartan and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the jewel of the cruise was Disney's Castaway Cay (Pronounced Key). Just like on the ship, there are beaches for families, teens, and adults only. We have been to Hawaii several times and we have not seen anything as beautiful and serene as the beach at Serenity Bay. It was paradise. The sand was pure white and the water crystal clear. Nothing but tiny little waves lapped the shore; you could just put your lounge chair in the water and not worry about being bowled over by waves. We both wished the Cruise ship would stay on the Cay for three days!

The dress code on the Disney Magic is much more casual than most cruise ships. You have your one "Formal Night" and the rest is "Cruise Casual" We both over packed with too many formal clothes because of our experience with the other cruise line. A pair of nice dress slacks and collared shirt was the norm. The Disney Cruise line is the leader in the cruise industry for children's programs and activities. There is a staff of 54-trained crewmembers that have programs for the kids from ages 3-4 years up to 10-12years and in between. So parents can sign their kids up with complete confidence and get a little "Personal Time" to enjoy the adult pool, the nightclubs, or many themed adult areas or just pull up a lounge chair, have a drink and relax. You can connect to the internet, check your e-mail, or just surf the web in the promenade lounge or even in your own stateroom. Even though I brought my laptop, there was just so much to see and do, it never came out of its case.

The only entertainment the Disney Cruise line does not offer is a gambling area. My wife loves the slots and was a bit disappointed, but believe me, with all there was to do; we did not even have time to miss it. Besides, they have a jackpot Bingo on the ship and at the end of the cruise; it was over $4000.00 dollars! There is so much more to tell about the cruise but this would turn into a book. If you have never cruised before or have on another cruise line, check out the free DVD from Disney's cruise lines. Take it from a couple of veteran cruisers, you will not be disappointed, there is Magic on the high seas.