The Disney Dream is the third ship in Disney Cruise Line's fleet, and the sister ship to the Disney Fantasy. With so many cruises and cruise lines to choose from, to make planning easier we've done all the research for cruise vacations. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is all the information you need to know about a cruise on the Disney Dream.
Destination
The Disney Dream focuses on cruises to the Bahamas, with 3-, 4-, and 5-night itineraries, including two 5-night holiday itineraries. Setting sail from Port Canaveral, Miami or New York, the Bahamian cruises make stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, and Nassau in the Bahamas.
Passenger Ship
The Disney Dream measures 1,115 feet by 125 feet at its widest. It weighs 130,000 tons, and its 14 decks house 1,250 staterooms that accommodate 4,000 passengers. More than 1,458 staff members are on board as well. The design of the ship was inspired by the golden age of cruising in the early 20th-century. But, of course, it's all state of the art, down to AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea.
Special Features
Since this is Disney, the Dream was designed with families in mind. Guests of all ages can enjoy character greetings, Broadway-style shows, pools, sports deck, an arcade and the D-Lounge family club. Multiple youth clubs cater to kids (Oceaneer Club and Lab), tweens (Edge), and teens (Vibe.) While the kids are away, the adults can play at the spa or in one of the ship's many lounges, like the Evolution dance club and adults-only bars Meridian, Pink and Skyline.
Accommodations
With all of the available on-board activities, it's hard to believe much time will be spent in staterooms. But, inside guests may find touches like private verandas, expanded space and magical portholes that give even interior rooms a view of the ocean. There are 10 categories of staterooms, and each is decorated with Art Deco touches that call upon the 1920s and 1930s.
Cost
Fares vary depending on itinerary, cabin selection and date of travel. But, it is possible for a family of four to book a cruise for just around $1,800 in an interior room.
Excursions
During a call on Nassau, Dream passengers can enjoy an idle day swimming and shopping, or participate in activities like a sea lion encounter, a semi-submarine tour, dolphin training at the Atlantis, and a wine luncheon or cigar and rum experience for those of age. On Castaway Cay, guests can rent a boat or a bike, go fishing, parasail and swim with stingrays among other things.
Dining Experiences
All passengers on the Disney Dream take part in the ship's rotational dining system, which places them at a different restaurant each night. Restaurants on the rotation are Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden and Royal Palace. Guests on longer voyages, especially, will be interested to break out of the rotation and try adults-only restaurants Palo and Remy. Cabanas serves made-to-order counter-service fare for a quick breakfast or lunch, while offering a full-service dinner.
Maiden Voyage
The Disney Dream departed for her maiden voyage on January 26, 2011.