Many people now combine a couple of weeks in Orlando, savouring all that the theme parks have to offer, with a Disney cruise from Port Canaveral. Now there is a new Disney ship to try.
The newest cruise ship to join the Disney Cruise Line, ‘Disney Dream, ’ was christened on January 19th, 2011 and has now entered service, with its maiden voyage on January 26th from her home port of Port Canaveral. Her godmother, Jennifer Hudson, actually began her career as an entertainer on the Disney Wonder.
It is 1115ft in length (340 m) and 121ft wide (37 m), with a draft of 26ft, and a gross tonnage of 128, 000. It has 16 decks, of which 14 are accessible to passengers. It can cruise at a maximum speed of 24. 7 knots, whilst carrying 4, 000 passengers and nearly 1500 crew.
Disney Dream is larger than both of her predecessors, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. She has 1250 staterooms and there is Wi-fi throughout the ship. As you enter the ship via the three story atrium there is a sweeping staircases with royal blue carpet and gold trim. The amazing 22 ft diameter art deco chandelier is dripping with Swarovski crystals, and it certainly gives a feeling of space and grandeur.
One of its most innovative features is the first water coaster at sea, called ‘Aquaduck. ’ This waterslide snakes its way round 765ft, dropping four decks, and at one point it is suspended precariously over the side of the ship for 13 ft, as well as going through the ship’s forward funnel.
There are three pools which are full of fresh, not sea water, and an adult only area, Quiet Cove Pool will exclude children. Of course there are hot tubs. Like many of the Princess ships, Dream will have a 30x18 LED screen facing Donald’s Pool, for movies under the stars.
There are, of course, the normal sporting activities, including digital sports simulators, a 9 hole mini-golf course, a walking track and a full size basketball court which can be converted into a volleyball court or a football pitch. Of course, it has a full fitness center, as well as a spa that spans two levels, so plenty of room to either chill out or pump iron.
As on the other Disney cruise ships, there are three rotational dining restaurants, as well as 2 adult only restaurants, a buffet and quick service stations.
As you would expect with a Disney ship, attention to detail is paramount. If you take a closer look at some of the artwork it will actually move – for example, as you look at Alice in Wonderland she will suddenly drop down the rabbit hole! Look out for Hidden Mickey’s in the carpeting, and up in the chandelier in the Royal Palace you may see Cinderella’s glass slipper.
A novel touch is that its ships horn can play six different Disney songs, including ‘It’s a Small World, ’ ‘Be our Guest, ’ ‘When You Wish Upon a Star, ’ ‘Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee, An Actor’s Life for Me, ’ ‘Yo Ho Ho’ and of course, ‘A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes. ’
If you have time to combine a trip to the wonderful theme parks of Orlando with a cruise, this is certainly one ship to consider.
The newest cruise ship to join the Disney Cruise Line, ‘Disney Dream, ’ was christened on January 19th, 2011 and has now entered service, with its maiden voyage on January 26th from her home port of Port Canaveral. Her godmother, Jennifer Hudson, actually began her career as an entertainer on the Disney Wonder.
It is 1115ft in length (340 m) and 121ft wide (37 m), with a draft of 26ft, and a gross tonnage of 128, 000. It has 16 decks, of which 14 are accessible to passengers. It can cruise at a maximum speed of 24. 7 knots, whilst carrying 4, 000 passengers and nearly 1500 crew.
Disney Dream is larger than both of her predecessors, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. She has 1250 staterooms and there is Wi-fi throughout the ship. As you enter the ship via the three story atrium there is a sweeping staircases with royal blue carpet and gold trim. The amazing 22 ft diameter art deco chandelier is dripping with Swarovski crystals, and it certainly gives a feeling of space and grandeur.
One of its most innovative features is the first water coaster at sea, called ‘Aquaduck. ’ This waterslide snakes its way round 765ft, dropping four decks, and at one point it is suspended precariously over the side of the ship for 13 ft, as well as going through the ship’s forward funnel.
There are three pools which are full of fresh, not sea water, and an adult only area, Quiet Cove Pool will exclude children. Of course there are hot tubs. Like many of the Princess ships, Dream will have a 30x18 LED screen facing Donald’s Pool, for movies under the stars.
There are, of course, the normal sporting activities, including digital sports simulators, a 9 hole mini-golf course, a walking track and a full size basketball court which can be converted into a volleyball court or a football pitch. Of course, it has a full fitness center, as well as a spa that spans two levels, so plenty of room to either chill out or pump iron.
As on the other Disney cruise ships, there are three rotational dining restaurants, as well as 2 adult only restaurants, a buffet and quick service stations.
As you would expect with a Disney ship, attention to detail is paramount. If you take a closer look at some of the artwork it will actually move – for example, as you look at Alice in Wonderland she will suddenly drop down the rabbit hole! Look out for Hidden Mickey’s in the carpeting, and up in the chandelier in the Royal Palace you may see Cinderella’s glass slipper.
A novel touch is that its ships horn can play six different Disney songs, including ‘It’s a Small World, ’ ‘Be our Guest, ’ ‘When You Wish Upon a Star, ’ ‘Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee, An Actor’s Life for Me, ’ ‘Yo Ho Ho’ and of course, ‘A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes. ’
If you have time to combine a trip to the wonderful theme parks of Orlando with a cruise, this is certainly one ship to consider.