For our first cruise, we were so pleased and had a blast. Overall great experience for us all. Would definite recommend for anyone. We booked our next cruise for Feb 2019. We are hooked. While I love Disney I never enjoyed the parks but know I’ve found a whole new way to enjoy and regain a new love of Disney. Best part is even adults can be kids.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The process was smooth, easy to follow and organized. Better than expected.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We were pleasantly surprised at not just the large food options for breakfast and lunch in Cabanas and the smaller shops, but the dinner selections in the general main dining rooms were more than ample and upper scale than anticipated. The service, presentation etc were 5star for us. We did try both specialty restaurants but I don’t think they are necessary for us next time. If you live in or near a metro area, you’ve likely eaten at an up scale Italian restaurant and possibly a French restaurant, there’s no need for the extra cost. So we would skip these next time but great to experience at least once. Meridian bar was definitely a must to check out. Not just for the drinks but the overall atmosphere and staff, the view was unbeatable.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There seemed to be ample amount of activities on board at all times. I can not attest to most as I did not attend many just due to schedule running after toddlers but there seemed to always be something going on. The meet and greets were great.
adults are attached to a kid. Fitness center had ample equipment except a small space for functional training or for those of us who train without the machines. But I was pleased to have a variety of weights, exercise ball etc.
Mickey's Pool
3 out of 5
The main pools were a bit disappointing in regard to size. There are so many families with small children yet the pools are small and always crammed/ overcrowded while the adult pools were underutilized for a greater portion of the day...for obvious reasons since most Adults onboard are attached to a kid. Huge positive was the lifeguards were always attentive. No dozing off, sleeping guards even when no one in the actual pool. The pools were cleaned frequently.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
Kids club seemed well organized. My only observed was the large age range occupying same spaces. While there were ample activities, I think the 3-6yr olds may need more structured activities instead of just announced at them. I will say once my kids attached to a counselor, they were more comfortable as I was too knowing someone specific was attending to them and ensuring they were having fun.
The kids spaces were clean. The attention to hygiene upon entering and leaving was great. The parent pick up process was a good extra safety layer /process in place to ensure your kid doesn’t wander off nor leave with someone other than with those assigned. The magic band with gps is a great idea. My one child thought the tracking worked throughout the ship and could wander off until I explained it was just in the kids club. Would be great tho.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Honestly, we had great service through from all cast memebers throughout. Our waiters, Dipa, Tashi and headeaiter, Joshua we’re beyond amazing. The attention we received and especially our children during the dinning experience was amazing. They ensured the kids ate, were entertained with origami or feeding the bulldog game to just enjoying everything. My one daughter passed out prior to food coming to table in our last nite and our waiters brought linen to cover her and put under her head so she was comfortable (although a tsunami wouldn’t have woken her st that point). Our room Stewart kept our room impeccably clean. He entertained the children with his blanket origami designed and even made a unicorn by request. It was a highlight for the kids. Our stateroom and baths looked as clean on the last night as it did the first. My only negative was with a Shutters employee who is not Disney.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The size was great for 4 of us and never feeling crowded when we were all inside nor with all our “stuff”. Beds were very comfortable. I suffer from bad low back and not one issue the entire trip! The linens and pillows were very comfortable & perfect too! Love the split bath as well. Great idea. Plenty of storage space unlike what some of the blogs discuss. Little need for their recommendations. Overall the room size, comforts and cleanliness were excellent.
Ship tip
Stay onboard at a port of call your least interested in or return early to enjoy some of the common areas when they’re not so crowded. We were able to jump on and off the Aquaduck easily with very little wait time while most where off ship. Had a blast with the kids exploring too.
Port was ok with plenty of shopping and restaurants. We did the dolphin kid excursion and while the experience for the kids was great, the organization of the site wasn’t. They had overbooked our excursion and didn’t have a grouping for a few of us so we had to bring it to their attention and wait till they could “make room” to fit us in. This was not a Disney issue however but the fault of the vendor.
Nice and laid back beach. I like the minimalistic feel of the place and do hope Disney does not feel need to rip other cruise line islands with their amusement park like feel. The understated, relaxed atmosphere was much enjoyed not adding to the overwhelming experience of the rest of the trip.
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