Living in a frozen wonderland tires in the months of February and March. Therefore, we plan a winter “getaway” every year. It also gives me an excellent opportunity to try the sunscreens that I will be recommending to my patients this year.
“Where do you want to go this year, dear?” I asked my wife. “I don’t know. What about you?” she answered “Disney World,” I said, without waiting a second. “We’ve been there. Let’s go on a cruise,” he replied. “Okay, let’s go on a Disney cruise,” I replied, “Are you sure?” No, a Disney cruise is for everyone. “” Okay, just get me out of the cold. “Then I asked my 17-year-old daughter: “What do you think of a Disney cruise?” She said, “Any cruise is good. Can I bring a friend? “” Of course. “So it was established. I called the Disney help desk, booked two balcony suites for a Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Wonder, one for my wife and I, and another for our 17 year old daughter and her friend, Christine.
Get there
Disney cruises depart from Cape Canaveral, 50 minutes from Orlando. Conveniently, Disney arranges bus transportation from the airport to the cruise ship. So they have most of the things in their hands.
The boarding procedure
When we got to the boarding center, they lined us up. The line moved quickly, ten minutes maximum. They went through our identification documents and then sent us to the line to get our “key to the world’s cards.” Then we leave for the ship. The girls went on to explore. My wife and I waited for the luggage to arrive, which didn’t take long, and when it did, we unpacked it. This is one of the best features of the cruise – you only unpack once, regardless of how many destinations you go to.
Boat
The ship that does the longest cruises is the Disney Magic.
The moment you cross the walkway, you are greeted and passed through the public address system. Each is equipped to provide its 2,700 passengers with a full range of services, from bingo to classic Disney Broadway shows.
And the entire service is provided by thousands of cast members from dozens of countries around the world. For example, our server Jacob was from the Czech Republic and the assistant waiter was Esther from Hungary. Disney emphasizes the world: its 877 rooms have 25% more space than the industry average.
And the ship is designed to attract adults, teens, children, and young adults to its areas and activities. My teenage daughter and her friend loved the area reserved for teenagers. It’s called a pile and it provides a great area to hang out.
But other activities include a Wide World of Sports platform (deck 10), a 10,700-foot spa, a kids’ club, dining and dancing areas, a movie theater, and a large stage. But don’t bother looking for a casino, you won’t find one on a Disney ship.
You can never get bored, I dare you.
But there are more activities, for each and every age group.
Bars and lounges
From fancy venues with live piano orders to bars where you can catch your favorite sporting event, Disney has a number of options for you.
Events-
Breakfast with Characters
A special event not to be missed, where you can get up close and personal with the characters. Always celebrated at Parrots Cay, be sure to bring your camera. While there are other options for taking pictures with Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Minny, this is usually your best chance. Warning: the noise level is high, the atmosphere is exuberant. Captains Gala Dress in your best clothes to enjoy this event. It’s a great night to get a picture taken with the captain or first officer.
Pirates at the Caribbean party
Disney is throwing a big party and this one is no exception. At dinner, everyone wears pirate outfits. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, a tissue will be provided. And after dinner the part begins. The pool is covered with a dance floor, and after the dance there are fireworks, Disney is the only boat with fireworks at sea!
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise Itinerary
Saturday: check in at the Port Canaveral terminal. Onboard before 4 p.m. Sunday ashore at Keywest at 11 a.m. Onboard before 7:30 a.m. Monday – Full day at sea Tuesday On land in Grand Cayman at 7:30 a.m. Onboard before 4:30 p.m. pm Wednesday – Ashore in Cozumel at 9:30 am. On board at 6:30 am Thursday – Day of the Sea Friday – On land at 9:30 am at Cayo Desechado On board before 5:30 am Saturday – Disembarkation
The islands
key West
The southernmost tip of the United States, and only 90 miles from Cuba. Discovered by Ponce de Leon in his search for The Fountain of Youth, Key West has always been the favorite haunt of writers like Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost. Harry Truman also loved this place and had a “little white house” here. Excursions – Sailing and Snorkeling Tour Every island has something like this. Sailing and snorkeling is what the Caribbean is all about. Tram tour of the old town or Conch train About 60 minutes will take you through the high points. It is best used as a guide to see things in more depth later. Butterfly Conservatory A great place to discover the secret life of the Museum of the Pirate Soul of butterflies The true story of the Pirates of the Caribbean Key West Shipwreck Museum While we were there, the treasure of a 15th century Spanish galleon was there.
Castaway Cay
If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfect private tropical island, Disney has recreated it here. Disney has secured the rights for the spiritual use of this small island that measures 3 miles long by two miles wide and all but 10 percent have been intentionally left undeveloped. But of course, Disney has plenty for those who want to be active: biking, beaching, snorkeling, parasailing, and just lazing around in a hammock. There are secluded beaches for adults, teens, and families. The day we were there was supposed to be cool, but we went anyway and it turned out to be a perfect day, a little too hot because our daughter developed a serious sunburn. She knew better: she had been to the tropics before. My wife and I had a couples massage in a private cabana, a nice touch for our last day.
Grand Cayman Island
In 1503, Columbus was swept to these islands by a storm. Later, he was greeted by thousands of turtles. Subsequently, it became a British island and remains a protectorate of Great Britain. The most amazing feature is its large coral reef. In fact, it is one of the best dive sites in the world. And if you shop there, stay away from items made from black coral or turtle, both of which are endangered species. The highlight of our trip was a visit to “Stingray City” where you can have fun with these amazing creatures. Tamed as a household pet, you can feed them squid, mount and pet them.
Cozumel
The largest island in Mexico, it has scored high for scuba diving since Jacques Cousteau discovered the reef in the 1960s. Another treat is that this is one of the few places where you can have fun with dolphins. And you can go to the mainland to see Tulum, a truly amazing Mayan site. Who cruises with Disney families, of course, but others love it too. In short, this cruise is for Disney fans, those who love all of Disney.
Bottom line
“Stephanie, did you like it?” I asked him, “I loved it,” he said, “I just didn’t like the assigned dining room. However, the teen club was amazing.” “Did you, Lucie?” I asked my wife “It was okay, but I liked Princess Cruises better.”