We heard about this Disney Cruise from family friends who were delighted of it!  Their kids were in Heaven  – It was the Ultimate Disney Experience for kids and forever young at heart as you interact with Disney Characters everyday and enjoy a wide array of  attractions on board.

Determined to do the same, we booked our rooms a year in advance.  We were very particular with our agent to get us in Disney Dream – ranked no 1 among all Disney Cruises in terms of user ratings and health ratings. It was also one of the preferred cruises with stops at Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island at the Bahamas.

Our Itinerary

April 10, 2012 – Depart Port Canaveral

Disney has its own private port for guests. Check in was so organised and seamless!

April 11, 2012 – Castaway Cay

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Click for Tips on What to Do at Castaway Cay

April 12, 2012 – Nassau

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

We explored Atlantis on our own.  Which was a good call.  It was cheaper for a family of 5 and  had we paid for the waterpark, we would have spent the whole day in line to experience just about 3/18 slides.  It was a more practical way to spend the day.

Click for Tips

From the Port, we commissioned a cab driver to take us to  Paradise Island and to take us back to the ship at the designated time.  We had the freedom to scout the Resort at an easy pace and ticked off a number of attractions such as the Dig – an underwater archeological aquarium featuring an array of marine life including manta rays and sharks, admire the popular water slides for all its daring features sans the long queues and explore the interesting boutiques and specialty restaurants in the Marina Village.

April 13, 2012 – Day At Sea

Adi was so thrilled with the Aquaduct – the first water coaster to exist on a ship. She would have her daily dose of it.

The Animator’s Palate looks like you are entering an Animator’s office with sketches of Disney characters surrounding you. As you dine, the screens become interactive scenes from the movie Nemo.

Throughout the meal, some of your favorite characters from Finding Nemo make appearances. Bruce swims up behind you, the silver school of fish play guessing games with the kids in the restaurant, and Crush — the star of Turtle Talk with Crush in the Disney parks — actually interacts with guests!

At Goofy’s Sports Deck, There is a whimsical miniature golf course designed by Goofy and his son Max. There is also a basketball court and virtual sports simulators for an additional fee.

While the older ones played, Kristiana and I would just hang out by the deck enjoying the breeze or snacking on burgers at the Waves. It had an impressive hamburger topping bar.

Someone couldn’t get enough of this. Even after dinners, she would rush to slide.

This Aquaduck feature made our investment on Adi worth it!

Kids just loved partying with the Disney Characters. There were so many activities to do around the ship. There were scavenger hunts, princess gatherings, magic workshops, family karaokes, game shows etc. It was really a good way to get the whole family together.

Walt Disney Theatre featured Disney Classics. Apart from this, there was also a Movie Theatre with eat all you can Popcorn as you enjoy new Disney Productions! Kristiana was such a good baby, she was just asleep as we all watched!

April 14, 2015 – Castaway Cay

Raring to go down for another day of fun at Castaway Cay!

These waterbikes look easy but as you bike deeper, it gets harder to maneuver with the waves!

It was Mama’s turn to bike with the kids while Dad babysat.

We checked out Serenity Bay – A private beach for the adults 18yo and above.

Idyllic beach setting.

Moving our way back to Dad.

Family picture with Minnie.

Savoring these last few hours in the Bahamas!

Map of the whole Island! A Disneyland Island!

April 15, 2015 – Arrive at Port Canaveral

This was our Deluxe Family OceanView StateRoom with Verandah.  The layout was well planned so it didn’t feel cramp at all for our family 5. The bathroom was quite spacious considering ship standards.  It even came with a bath tub – a bonus for the kids! It was a cosy abode after rewarding days – and best enjoyed while lazying around – cruising at sea!

The experience was as magical for us adults as it was for the kids! You really have to hand it to Disney’s Philosophy for creating enchanted venues to transport you into a Character setting!

The place is like a typical Disney Palace.

Pirate Night hosted by Captain Hook and his Mates.

Adi by the Atrium. Reminiscent of the Titanic with a Grand Hall and Staircase. Meet & Greet with the Characters are usually held at the Lobby.

Invitation to the Pirate’s Night

We waited for the Fireworks – A Farewell Attraction for the Guests!

Facilities for the adults were sufficient.  There was the Spa, Night Club & Lounges, Movie Theater, Live Shows & Entertainment.  I could understand why there was no need for a Casino but I think the Fathers (as my husband overheard and agreed) would have appreciated one just to escape the family for a quick bit – a “man cave” of sorts.  Nevertheless, what is five days to see the kids happy and grateful!

After the cruise, we headed to Orlando, FL to complete our kids’ wish list to days in  DisneyWorld and Universal Studios.  Just when we thought they were all “Disneyed Out”, they are still praying to do another Disney Cruise soon – especially the youngest one!