I spent 3 days on a Disney cruise, this beat any other show at sea
Taking a Disney cruise is just as much fun for adults as kids, this holiday-maker discovers - including a signature theatre performance that outshines any other cruise entertainment.
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If you’ve ever wondered if a Disney cruise is like hanging out with your extroverted friends for far too long, I have good news for you.
Disney may have the most family-friendly cruise ships on the ocean, but that doesn’t mean everything is over the top. Here’s how to spend 72 hours on board Disney Treasure.
DAY ONE: Mid-morning
Passing through a giant Mickey Mouse head is the silly welcome we’ve been hoping for as we make our way from security at Port Canaveral, Florida, on to Disney’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, setting sail for the Bahamas. As an ’80s kid who adored Saturday Disney and devoured Chip ’n Dale and DuckTales, spending three days on a ship called Treasure is a childhood dream come true. My son knows little of these characters but as a fan of Moana, he’s almost as eager as his mum. And that’s the thing about a Disney cruise – they are created for adults just as much as children.
Afternoon
As the ship’s horns blast a Disney melody and we pull away from port, we check into our cabin. We’re staying in a deluxe family oceanview stateroom with veranda, which is spacious, with a queen bed, collapsible bunk, and lounge. We don’t spend long settling in because Moana 2 is about to screen in the cosy Wonderland Cinema, then there are pools to explore.
The pools are a big feature on any ship, and, instead of one big statement pool, Treasure offers several that cascade on to the main deck. Some are shallow for toddlers; others are deep enough for adults. I miss the opportunity to swim laps but there is a splash-free infinity pool in the adults-only section that almost makes up for it.
Evening
Our first dinner is in Worlds of Marvel, one of the complimentary restaurants. My son loves being surrounded by wall-mounted TVs that play messages from baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, but I’m not so keen on the dinner screen time. As for the meals, we dine on beef Wellington and a mini cheeseburger.
With a Mickey meet-and-greet on the ship’s schedule, we gobble up our Mickey-shaped chocolate ice creams and rush to midship to say g’day. It’s surprisingly emotional greeting a character you grew up watching, even if it’s an actor in a costume.
DAY TWO: Morning
Over Mickey waffles with maple syrup at Marceline Market, we decide to dedicate our morning to riding Treasure’s water slide. With double inflatable rafts, parents and kids team up to ride a conveyor belt through a tunnel where classic Mickey skits attempt to distract you from the cold water that blasts from the walls. Like a rollercoaster, you pause at the top before zipping down a surprisingly fast slide that scoots over the side of the ship in a transparent tube. It’s a lot of fun and easy to pass two hours here. Tip: Pack a wetsuit top if you feel the cold.
Afternoon
Along with the restaurants, there are grab-and-go kiosks on the main deck, so today we order burgers and pizza for lunch. It’s quick, leaving us plenty of time to check out the games room.
With energy to burn, we dry off and make our way to Hero Zone, a gymnasium with air hockey, ping pong and a basketball court that’s sometimes filled with an inflatable obstacle course. Afterwards, we make our way to Haunted Mansion Parlor, a family-friendly lounge that pays homage to one of Disney’s original theme park rides. With paintings that move and eyeballs dropped into highballs of metallic soda, the parlour is a hoot.
Evening
The most sophisticated family restaurant on board is 1923, where the Disney theme is toned down and you can dine on seafood and risotto. As an extroverted introvert, I’m thankful for the quieter setting.
With dance parties, pirate concerts, character shows and fireworks, you’re spoiled for choice for after-dinner entertainment. If you only catch one show, however, make it The Tale of Moana, a theatre production that blows every other ship performance I’ve ever seen out of the water. The quality of this show rivals any you’ll see in a big city, with beautiful singing and incredible set design. Bravo, Disney.
DAY THREE: Morning
Today is spent at Castaway Cay, so immaculate it gives The Truman Show vibes. The cruise ship area of this Bahamian island has combed sand, rows of sun loungers with colourful umbrellas, and water that’s impossibly aqua. There is also a fun snorkelling trail, as well as obstacle courses and water slides. The only downer is the staff’s insistence that we wear life vests (deflated) while snorkelling, stopping us from diving. Tip: take your own snorkel gear so you don’t have to hire it for a cost.
Afternoon
You can head back to the ship for lunch or eat a buffet of barbecued meats, salad and cookies. The Americans devour the selection but health-conscious Australians may find it underwhelming.
Back on board, we head to Jumbeaux’s Sweets for gelato in flavours such as chocolate peanut cup, plus Zootopia-themed biscuits, and lollies.
Now is also a good time to stop by the ship’s boutiques for your last chance to buy Minnie ears.
Evening
The most beautiful dining space on Treasure is Plaza de Coco. With flickering lanterns and rainbow bunting, you feel like you’re walking down a real paved street in Mexico as you make your way into a dining hall bursting with colour and theatrics.
DAY FOUR: Morning
Before disembarking, stop by HeiHei Café or Jade Cricket Café for a specialty coffee or tea with Disney character latte art. It’s a sweet way to soak up a little extra Disney magic.
The author was a guest of Disney Cruise Line.
How to get to Orlando, Florida, from Australia
Fly with Qantas direct to Dallas, Texas, and then on to Orlando, Florida. Give yourself about three hours between flights because Dallas is a huge airport that requires you to catch a light rail between terminals.
Where to stay before a Disney cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida
Stay at a Disney hotel in Orlando for a seamless transfer to Port Canaveral. The trip is about an hour from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in an airconditioned coach.
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