Disney Magic; getting set to sail from New York

The Magic truly is

Mickey & Disney, more than just kids

Traveling

With Bob & Sandy Nesoff

Ever since Mortimer Mouse first appeared on the silver screen at Steamboat Willie in 1928, the friendly little rodent has been a favorite of children.

Today he is the lynchpin of an empire that attracts not only children, but children of all ages throughout the world.  The first foray beyond cartoon was Disneyland in California followed by Disney World in Orlando, Paris, Tokyo and more varied entities than the telephone company.

If anything today epitomizes what the Disney corporation has grown into and the diversity of ages it serves, it is the growing fleet of cruise ships.  The recently launched Disney Dream is a world apart from the Big Red Ship that used to take passengers to exotic ports.

The Dream joined sister ships the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic and all three are awaiting the launch of the Disney Fantasy in about a year.  While they all home port out of Port Canaveral, they have plied the world’s waters from Florida to the Mediterranean and coming next spring, the Magic will sail from New York City.

The New York itinerary will schedule a stop at Port Canaveral to afford young and old alike a full day at Disney World with transportation provided.  It will also stop at Nassau and a day at the line's private island, Castaway Cay, for a full day of fun and relaxation.

The Magic currently departs Port Canaveral each Saturday afternoon for two relaxing days at sea followed by stops in St. Maartin, St. Thomas and Disney’s private and exotic island, Castaway Cay. (Remember--Cay is pronounced “Key).

While children are obviously the focus of Disney, adults are not the forgotten demographic.  In fact, while there were more family groups than could be counted, there were any number of couples who had come for the trip with no kids in tow.  And for many of them, this was a repeat journey.  They had sailed Disney previously and enjoyed it so much, they opted for another round.

While some cruise lines entertain children by regimenting them throughout the journey, Disney forsakes that mentality, instead, opting to give youngsters a choice of a wide variety of activities without pushing and prodding.

Of course Disney characters abound, much to the delight of young and old alike.  Photo ops with Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Peter Pan and others are cause for a lineup that would make any military mess hall proud.

If you look closely enough you might notice that adults are squirming their way in to have their pictures taken with the cartoon characters nearly as often s the youngsters.

Disney must have the world’s most competent employment agency because the actors they have chosen for the characters have the patience of Job.  They never rush child or adult and never come out of character.

The supervisors know at all times where their charges are and children are not seen wandering aimlessly about the ship.  Safety and security are paramount here and parents are able to rest and relax knowing that their children are having a memorable time and are safe.

There is a pool for children and one for adults.  While the dining rooms: Parrott Cay, Lumiere’s, and Animator’s Palette are for family dining, Palo is strictly for adults.  In the three mixed dining rooms there are children’s menus with solid food that keeps their interest while parents can order from a higher end.

At Palo diners experience a menu and service worthy of anything upper end New York could put forward.  There is a surcharge for lunch or dinner at Palo, but it is minimal and well worth the experience.  Arrangements can be made for supervision of children while parents dine at Palo.

Perhaps the Magic’s most popular evening is Pirate Night when the entire staff dresses up as though they all work for Jean Lafitte.  Passengers who have sailed Disney previously and know what to expect come in full pirate regalia.

In information provided prior to sailing passengers are encouraged to bring along costumes but are forewarned that no swords, knives or weapons of any sort will be permitted.  The preference is to not even have toy weapons.

On our cruise there was a sumptuous on-deck buffet on Pirate Night and ten a showing of the classic Pirates of the Caribbean on a giant screen against one of the ship’s funnels.

Aaarrrgh, it was a mighty fine night.

Stops in St. Maartin and St. Thomas afforded passengers an opportunity to see both islands and to take advantage of some duty free shopping.  The caveat here is that if you go over your permitted allotment, some of your items will no longer be duty free.  Check the information provided on board to determine what you are entitled to.

Entertainment on board is definitely youth oriented but with such a high degree of professionalism that it’s the sorry adult who will not enjoy himself.  The casting and training that the entertainers are put through ensures a Broadway-quality show.

For many cruisers the stop at Castaway Cay is a highly anticipated time out.  Disney has only developed a portion of the Bahamian island and you can see where more amenities may be added over the years.

The beaches are pristine white, the waters calm and blue.  There is an enclosure where big and little children can watch and feed sting rays in total safety.  There is parasailing, snorkeling, bike riding or just floating on your back to build up enough rays to fight sunlight deprivation when you get back home.

Those who enjoy cruising out of the Northeast will have a treat next spring when the Magic arrives.  There will be two itineraries: one will be a five night cruise northward to the Canadian Maritimes; second will be an eight night itinerary that will include a stop at Port Canaveral and a day at one of the Disney parks with transportation.

From there the Magic will sail to Nassau and then to Castaway Cay before heading back to New York.

For information on the Disney Magic or any of her sister ships, go to http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/