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Disney Cruise Line

When most people think "magic", they think Disney. For more than half a century, Disney has created vacation magic for millions, and the Disney Cruise Line, founded in 1998, has maintained that incredible level of impeccable Disney service with that extra touch of whimsy and fairy dust.

As a matter of fact, Disney's first ship was named Magic, followed the next year by the Disney Wonder. Those are still the only two ships in the Disney fleet, meaning that securing a place on one of them takes some advanced planning. Both the Magic and Wonder are truly magnificent ships, nearly 1,000 feet long, with 875 decidedly-Disney staterooms, more than three-quarters of them boasting an outside view. These Italian-built ships sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, with Mickey standing at the bow and leading the way.

While the ships are quite lovely, it's the magic created by attentive and creative staff members, however, that keeps families coming back for more. While most cruise lines offer a children's program of some sort, on Disney Cruise Lines, it's all about the kids. Disney's Oceaneer Club caters to the little ones up to age 7 and activities are held in an area that resembles Captain Hook's ship. The Oceaneer Lab is designed for the pre-teen set, and provides lots of hands-on activities such as lessons in animation and fun science experiments. Aloft and The Stack are teen-only domains that feature music, movies, video games, plasma TVs, and an Internet café. Most importantly, your children and teens will be safe all day under the supervision of one of the most attentive cruise ship staffs and parents of children under 10 are provided with a pager in case they're needed.

Disney cruises, of course, aren't just for children. If you're an adult, you'll be equally as enthralled as the kids. The spa, salon, and fitness centers on the Disney Cruise Line ships are top-notch and just waiting for you to come in and enjoy a relaxing massage or invigorating exercise class. There are also three pools and two hot tubs on board each ship, one pool for adults only featuring a poolside bar serving refreshing drinks.

Even dining is a true Disney experience in the three themed restaurants that grace each ship. Don't be surprised if a character or two shows up at breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Destinations are not as varied as some cruise lines, allowing Disney to concentrate on keeping their quality of service high and not spreading themselves too thin. Guests can choose from 3- or 4-night Bahamian cruises, 7-night excursions to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, and a 7-night land and sea package that includes 3 days in Disney World prior to the cruise.

Ports of call include Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, as well as Key West, St. Thomas/St. John, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, St. Maarten, and Nassau.