Disney Cruise Lines

A Personal Review of Disney Cruise Lines:  By, Monday Cleghorn

Before going on a Disney cruise, I was happy with cruising. I guess I should rephrase that - I was satisfied with cruising because I had not experienced the level of service nor cleanliness or attention to detail that I found on a Disney cruise. After sailing on the Disney Dream and attending a ship tour of the Disney Wonder, I realized what I had been missing out on. Since my Disney Dream Inaugural cruise in January of 2011, I have been on one more unnamed cruise and I can say without a doubt, that I dreaded with every fiber of my being - going on that cruise! I knew that I had experienced the best and what I was about to embark on was a vast difference from what I had experienced on the Disney Dream. It was necessary for me to go on that cruise in May because I had a group that I was escorting, but if I could have avoided it, I most definitely would have!

Disney does it right! Everything they do, they do right! The food is far better than what you will get on other cruise lines. The rooms are larger, MUCH cleaner and more comfortable than any I've ever been on. The shows are some of the best you will ever see - comparable to a Broadway show. The ones on other cruise lines that I've seen were lacking and sometimes leave you wishing you hadn't wasted your time. I have gotten up in the middle of shows on other ships and left the room because they were so terrrible. I've seen a couple of shows that were good so I don't want to say that they are all bad, but again, there is NO comparison!

The public areas on Disney ships are immaculate! They are constantly cleaning and the ships are in top shape! Beautiful, elegant, whimsical, entertaining, immaculate all describe the Disney ships.

Disney also offers something called Rotational Dining, which allows you to rotate each night to a different restaurant. You aren't confined to the same restaurant, same table with pretty much the same menu each night. I love this about Disney Cruise Lines because it gives you the opportunity to try different things and test out other restaurants. And, when you rotate to each new restaurant, your same wait staff goes with you and they are there to take exceptional care of you. They learn your name the first night and call you by name each night after that. They learn your likes and dislikes to food and drink and they remember that. They are amazing!

Disney cruises are a little more expensive than some of your "fun ship" cruises, but once you've experienced it, you'll understand why. There is nothing quite like it! I'd rather pay a little more and have the most amazing experience possible on a cruise, than to pay less and just be satisfied. 

There's no doubt that on a Disney cruise ship there will be lots of children, but no more than you will see on any other cruise ship.  People think that it's only for kids, but it really isn't. Sure they have characters on the ship, and kids clubs (the most amazing kids clubs you will ever experience) but those can be avoided if desired. There are plenty of adult only areas, clubs, lounges and amazing quiet areas. There are pools galore for adults only, kids only and for everyone.  My point is, if you're there to spend time with kids and do things for kids, you can most defintely do so, but if your there for romantic private time, there's plenty of that to be had as well. 

Someone recently said to me, "l will never go on a Disney cruise! They are too expensive!" But, I responded by telling them that if they ever DID go on a Disney Cruise, they would never want to go on any other cruise because the experience is far greater than they could ever imagine!
A Disney cruise is worth every single penny spent!  There is nothing quite like it in the world!

So if you are looking for a romantic cruise - Disney is perfect!  If you're looking for a family friendly cruise - Disney is perfect!  If you're looking for an array of activities to participate in on a ship - Disney is perfect!  If it's shopping, relaxing, dining, basking in the sun, enjoying private beach time on Disney's own private island Castaway Cay, which by the way is absolutely stunning, Disney is the perfect fit for you!

Monday Cleghorn, Owner/Dream Maker

Passport Information

Guests are responsible for obtaining proper documentation to board the ship. U.S. Government passport requirements continue to change; therefore, we strongly encourage Guests of all ages to have a valid U.S. passport for all cruises. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you're traveling.

For air travel, however, the deadline was January 23, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are required to carry a valid passport after the effective date.

Please visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at 877-4USA-PPT for the most current requirements. To learn about the required documents you will need in order to board the ship, please visit Travel Documentation Information.

Applying for a Passport
Here are some helpful reminders and website links:

When To Start
What You Need
Where to Go
Passports for Children under the age of 16
Renewing a Passport
When's the best time to get started? Right now!

When To Start
In general, the passport application process can take up to 8 weeks to complete, so it's best to get started as soon as possible—even if your travel is months away.

Disney Cruise Line asks that you provide your passport number at least 75 days prior to the start of your vacation in your Guest Information Form in My Online Check-In. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to acquire proper citizenship documentation (e.g., passport and/or green card). Those without proper documentation at time of departure will be denied boarding.

What You Need
You must appear in person at the passport location when you are applying for a passport for the first time. This includes minors (see Children Under the Age of 16 below).

Here are the documents you will need in most cases:

The U.S. Government's DS-11 Application – Download the application from the government site to be certain you have the latest form. You will need to complete this form, but DO NOT SIGN it until you are at the passport location where the Passport Acceptance Agent will instruct you. If you sign the application form before you arrive, it will not be accepted and you will be asked to complete a new form. Don't use white-out or correction tape on the application. If you do, you will be asked to complete a new form.
Proof of citizenship – Visit the U.S. Government website for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship, including the particulars of what is considered a certified birth certificate. You need to submit your certified birth certificate with the passport application. That means you will not have it in your possession for approximately 8 weeks. If you will need the certificate during that time—for example, to register your child to attend kindergarten or to play soccer—be sure to make a copy.
Current valid identification with a signature, photo and physical description (your height, weight, etc.) – Visit the government site for examples of valid identification. A social security card is not considered valid identification.
2 current color photos – Visit the government site for the particulars of a passport photo, including size and acceptable attire. Some passport locations offer photos at an additional charge. Call your location to find out.
Methods of payment – Visit the U.S. Government site for the methods of payment. Different locations accept different forms of payment. Be sure to check with your individual passport location to verify its acceptable methods of payment. You can request Expedited Service to obtain your passport faster than the normal processing time.

Where to Go
There are 14 Passport Agencies and over 9,000 public places that accept passport applications. To find the locations nearest you, including locations that offer handicapped access and photos on site or nearby, enter your ZIP code in the form at the U.S. Government site. Be sure to contact your location to verify acceptable forms of payment, hours of operation and whether you need an appointment.

Passports for Children under the age of 16
To submit an application for a child under the age of 16, the child must appear in person. Visit the U.S. Government's information on passports for children and the U.S. Government's issue of Consent for an Application of a Minor for information on obtaining passports for children under the age of 16. You must provide a birth certificate that includes parents' names. The credit card-sized birth certificate you may have for your children may not include your names. You will need a certified birth certificate.

If your child is adopted abroad, we recommend you visit Child Citizenship for information on appropriate documentation requirements.

Renewing a Passport
You can renew your passport by mail or in person. Download U.S. Government's Renewal Form DS-82 and review the U.S. Government's information on renewing passports.