Published: November 09, 2006 11:18 am      

Three reasons to hop on the Disney Cruise Line

1. Castaway Cay: This 3-mile private island in the Bahamas is a tropical paradise available only to Disney cruise guests. Why? Because Disney owns the island, and they said so.

Castaway Cay (pronounced “key”), while largely undeveloped, features a variety of attractions for all Disney guests.

Adults traveling alone? Take a short tram ride to Serenity Bay, a secluded area of white-sanded beach for guests ages 18 and up. Guests can book open-air massages in private cabanas and enjoy a quiet, relaxing day at the beach.

For families, a half-mile beach closer to the ship offers up more than sun, sand and sea shells. You can rent bikes, water tubes or play volleyball. We paid $25 each — a steal by Disney standards — to rent a set of snorkels, goggles and flippers for the day. A “snorkel course” leads you out at your leisure to explore a sunken boat and submarine and all the tropical fish that now call these and other props home (don’t miss this one; we booked our rentals on the Internet before our vacation).

And what is a cruise without a free buffet? Cookie’s BBQ near the family beach serves up hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs and salmon burgers, among other dishes. Also look here for free ice cream and pop — which also are free on the ship.

• FUN FACT: According to hiddenmickeys.org, Castaway Cay’s construction took 18 months and 50,000 truckloads of sand from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.



2. Crew members: This former Walt Disney World cast member — normally overly critical of Disney employees — was blown away by the service provided by the crew on board the Disney Magic.

Employees Bahar and Flip met my 13-month-old daughter on the first day. Not only did they remember her name all week — we heard “Hello, Princess Cam-er-an!” more times than we can count — but they took time to play with her, and they sent her special photo cards of the characters on the last three days of the cruise.

Our assistant server, Noel, cut up Cameran’s dinner into baby-bite-sized pieces so my husband and I could relax and enjoy our appetizers.

One employee, after asking him for directions to lost and found several hours earlier, stopped us to make sure my sister-in-law had found her missing wallet (she had).

• FUN FACT: Crew members’ living facilities on the ship include their own restaurant, hair salon, retail shop and swimming pool.



3. Ship activities: The name says it all: The Disney Magic is just plain magical. And it’s gorgeous. And it’s clean, to boot.

Those of us who open public bathroom doors with our shoulders can rejoice in the fact that crew members all but block your entry to restaurants before you wash your hands.

The Magic’s three-story atrium is home to a variety of parties and gatherings. We sailed during Halloween, so a costume contest/dance party was held here. On the last night of the cruise (sniff, sniff), look for a farewell show. Another must-see, this is your last chance to rub elbows with your favorite Disney characters.

The upper decks feature three swimming pools: a family pool, a kids’ pool and an adult pool. While infants and toddlers can’t swim in the kiddie pool pre-potty training, there is a small (albeit too small) fountain/wading area reserved just for them.

Several parties are held on the pool decks, as well. The sail away celebration as the ship leaves Port Canaveral, Fla., on its first day is not to be missed. Another show on the pirate theme night includes a variety of character stunts and wraps up with an impressive fireworks show.

Besides shows, pools and character appearances, there are wine tastings, bingo games, first-run movies and a host of activities designed specifically for children and teens.

I dare you to say you’re bored on this ship.

• FUN FACT: The horn on the Disney Magic whistles “When You Wish Upon A Star.”