Blog Archives
Disney Cruise Line Unveils Ports and Itineraries for Early 2017
In early 2017, Disney Cruise Line returns to favorite destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, most from popular Florida ports. Limited-time engagements in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Galveston, Texas, complete the line-up for the first part of the year.
During these sailings, you will visit timeless tropical locales, dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Most cruises feature a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, a private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests.
Bookings open Gold and Platinum Castaway Club Members on Oct. 7, 2015 and to the public on Oct. 8.
Port Canaveral
With three of Disney ships in port and cruises spanning from three to seven nights, you have a full line up of options from Port Canaveral in early 2017. The best part? Every sailing includes a day at Castaway Cay!
The Disney Fantasy will continue to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages, while the Disney Dream continues on three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Beginning January 29, the Disney Wonder will alternate similar three- and four-night itineraries.
Miami
The Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with three to five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus select five-night Western Caribbean cruises, through March 31. Castaway Cay awaits guests aboard every one of these Disney Magic sailings! Other Bahamian ports of call include Nassau and Key West, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.
San Juan and Galveston
From San Juan, the Disney Magic sets sail on four seven-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. Departing April 9, 16, 23 and 30, this limited-time engagement includes calls on Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts.
The Disney Wonder completes a season in Galveston with two seven-night Bahamian voyages to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau on January 6 and 13. From there, the ship embarks on a six-night journey to San Juan on January 20 with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Falmouth, Jamaica. Also, on January 26, a three-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder takes guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral.
Stay tuned for more information on Disney Cruises sailing in 2017.
– Cody Woodbrey
Disney Cruise Line – Summer 2016 Itineraries Revealed
Disney Cruise Line is excited to introduce more variety than ever in Summer 2016! For the first time ever, the Disney Magic will be sailing to the British Isles- including visits to Scotland, England, Ireland and France. Disney Cruise Line will also return to Norway, Iceland and ports of call in more than 15 European countries.
In addition to the tour of Europe with select sailings to Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, British Isles, Greek Isles and the Mediterranean, Disney Cruise Line will revisit favorite destinations elsewhere around the globe including Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas!
New British Isles
On June 5, 2016, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Dover, England on its very first British Isles Itinerary! The 12-night cruise on the Disney Magic will sail for the first time to Invergordon, Kirkwall, and Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Newcastle and Liverpool, England; Dublin, Ireland; Le Harve (Paris), France; and Guernsey; one of the Channel Islands.
On this stunning itinerary, Guests can explore the majestic beauty of Scotland, experience Highland culture, sample traditional cuisine and spirits, and discover the country’s iconic castles. Elsewhere on the itinerary, Guests will experience the merry, cosmopolitan city of Dublin, the culturally rich and romantic Paris, the birthplace of the Beatles and the British Invasion in Liverpool, and the charming Countryside of Guernsey.
Ports: Newcastle, England; Invergordon, Scotland; Kirkwall, Scotland; Greenock, Scotland; Liverpool; England; Dublin, Ireland; Le Harve, France; Guernsey; Dover, England
Departure dates: Disney Magic: Jun. 5, 2016
New Iceland and Norway Itinerary
Disney Cruise Line Guests can explore the natural wonders of Iceland with two new 12-Night Disney Magic sailings. Each itinerary includes two days in Reykjavik and a stop in Akureyri, Iceland; Bergen, Norway; and Kirkwall, Scotland. Departing from Dover, England and concluding in Copenhagen Denmark, then the June 17 cruise also visits Stavanger, Norway and New Castle, England. The July 13 cruise departing from Copenhagen, Denmark and concluding in Dover England also visits Olso and Kristiansand, Norway and Invergordon, Scotland.
On this itinerary, three days in Iceland provides time to explore the country’s rich natural wonders, from volcanoes, lava fields, to glaciers and thermal springs. In Norway, Guests are immersed in the splendor and charm of the country with exciting ports steeped in Viking history.
Ports: Jun. 17: New Castle, England; Kirkwall, Scotland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; Bergen, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark
Jul. 13: Olso, Norway ; Kristiansand, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Akureyri, Iceland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Kirkwall, Scotland; Invergordon, Scotland; Dover, England
Departure dates: Disney Magic: Jun 17, 2016; Jul. 13, 2016
New Norwegian Fjords from Dover
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Dover, England on a seven-night cruise to the majestic Norwegian fjords. Departing on May 29, the Disney Magic will visit Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway.
In Norway, Disney Cruise Line Guests will discover breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent mountain ranges, massive glaciers and majestic fjords. The enchanting Scandinavian culture of the region comes to life through local attractions, stunning architecture, storybook villages and historic city centers.
Ports: Stavenger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Bergen Norway
Departure dates: Disney Magic: May 29, 2016
More Summer 2016 Itineraries
During the summer of 2016, the Disney Magic will return to favorite destinations in Northern Europe, the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean with a variety of seven-night and longer sailings.
From May through August 2016, the Disney Wonder will return to Alaska, sailing from Vancouver, Canada to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
In 2016, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean on a variety of itineraries. Most of these cruises include a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, a private island paradise.
Please contact me for more information or to book one of these AMAZING Disney Cruises.
– Cody Woodbrey
“Frozen” is Coming to the Disney Cruise Line This Summer
For the first time this summer, on select sailing on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailings Alaska and Europe, Disney will bring the land of “Frozen” to life. For one day of the sailing, the ship will be transformed into the land of “Frozen”. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in a new deck party, a three-song stage show production number, character meet and greets with some of your favorite “Frozen characters, new ashore adventures and much more.
Here are some of the all-new happenings for these select cruises:
- Memorable moments with Anna, Elsa, and for the first time in forever sing-along, with appearances from Kristoff and Olaf
- “Anna’s Chase for the Chocolate” a scavenger hunt with a special surprise for finishing the game… I think the surprise might have something to do with chocolate!
- “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” activity with kids learn now to use their magical powers to make snow and ice like Queen Elsa
- “The Maypole Swirl and Twirl” for guests wanting to learn traditional Scandinavian dances, all while spinning and braiding giant ribbons
- “Frozen” themed dining experience, the evenings dinner menu includes traditional Nordic fare and special dishes inspired by the film
- “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends,” an all new family-friendly interactive deck party featuring Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf
With the Disney Magic sailing to Norway, guests will be able to have an even more immersive experiences. “Frozen” will make its debut in an all new production “Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic”. In this production, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa and Olaf along with your beloved Disney characters will teach an young girl the power of her dreams.
This is not all for guests sailing to Norway! Guests will also have the opportunity to experience all-new port adventures that bring the story of Arendelle to life. One of the signature adventure ashore in Ålesund, Norway, will immerse guests in the charm of Norway with the help with Anna and Elsa themselves.
The summer “Frozen” fun doesn’t stop there but expands to all Disney Cruise ships; Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Olaf with his warm hugs, will join the sisters from Arendelle in an all-new meet and greet experience. On the first night of the cruise, guests will be given a personal navigator with information where they can get tickets to participate in the meet and greet. You must have a ticket in order to participate, so get your ticket as soon as you can.
Cruises that port at Disney’s private Island, Castaway Cay, will also enjoy a new addition the island, Olaf’s Summertime Freeze bar. Specialty non-alcoholic frozen drinks will be served and is located near Pelican Point Tram stop by the Disney Castaway Cay Family Beach.
I’m not sure about you, but I am pretty excited about all the new “Frozen” happenings this summer. If you were thinking about taking a cruise, this might be the perfect time to go! For even more information or to book a Disney Cruise, please contact me today!
– Cody Woodbrey
Disney’s Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney’s 1,000-acre private island in paradise. You will find many activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as swimming, snorkeling boating, parasailing and of course sunbathing.
Along the shoreline at Castaway Cay’s Family Beach you will find several activities for everyone to enjoy. Some of the activities you will find here will be swimming; snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, or relaxing under the sun. The Games Pavilion is another great place for family members to have fun. The pavilion provides great games such as table tennis, foosball, billiards, chess and basketball.
One of the reasons why my family love snorkeling at Castaway Cay is all the fun things you get so see. While snorkeling you will find treasures like: hidden Mickeys, sunken ships, old submarines, and of course you will see some amazing tropical fish. Tip: Each one of the big treasures are marked by a buoy you can either bring your own snorkel gear or you can rent them at the beach rental shack ($29.00 per person). You can also rent inner tubes here ($10.00 per day).
Pelican Plunge is a must do for your visit to Castaway Cay. This 2,400 square-food floating platform sits a short swimming distance from the beach. Here you find two fun and exciting slides, a giant bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons below and water cannons for shooting targets a short distance away.
Castaway Cay also has some great port adventures you can book such as, stingray interactions, parasailing, fishing, glass-bottom boat tours or even jet skiing. Some of my guests’ favorites are the stingray interactions and parasailing.
Like on the ship, the food here is completely complimentary. Cookie’s BBQ is a great buffet to get food at the family beach area. Some of the foods you will find here are barbeque, burgers, fresh salads, island spiced rotisserie chicken, grilled fish, flat breads, ice cream and soda.
For those adults who want to get away from the family beach, they can head over to Serenity Bay Beach. This beach is the adult only area on the island. Here adults can relax enjoy the cool breeze of the ocean without large crowds and noises. The food here is bit nicer than that of the family beach eating areas.
Beach Cabanas – If you want a little extra piece of paradise, you can rent out 1 of 20 premium rental cabanas. These cabanas proved you private and luxury retreat. The cabanas are furnished with cushioned chairs, luxuries chaise lounges, stylish side tables and a dining table, refrigerator, lockable storage unit and your own fresh water shower. The Cabanas are located just off the Castaway Family Beach and on Serenity bay.
There you have it, Disney’s little piece of Paradise!
If you are planning on taking a Disney Cruise in the future, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Top 10 Photo Opportunities on Disney’s Castaway Cay
There are several great places on the island to take pictures. These are some of the guests favorite places to take pictures.
1. With the ship behind you from different places on the island
2. In front of Mt. Rushmore – The Characters usually do meet n’ greets here
3. Building a sand castle and playing in the sand
4. Relaxing on a beach chair in the water at Serenity bay
5. Playing in the water and going down the slide at Pelicans Plunge
6. While doing the different activities on the beach, biking, swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, kayaking and eating
7. With the Disney Characters dressed up in their beach wear
8. With the hidden characters in the snorkeling bay (You will need a water proof camera)
9. Relaxing and lying in the hammocks
10. With the flora, fauna, and various airplanes around the island
Credit for the photos by J. Shuping, S. Caramico, C. Woodbrey & T. Woodbrey
If you are planning on taking a Disney Cruise in the future, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey