ADMIRAL MICKEY'S NAVY EXPANDS OPTIONS

By Bob & Sandy Nesoff
Members: North American travel Journalists Association
American Society of Authors and Journalists
Special to Cruising Squared

Passengers arrive at Castaway Cay (Disney)

Over the years cruise lines plying the Caribbean have added a stop along the itinerary that does not involve shopping, jewelry, liquor purchases or group touring. 

They’ve bought, rented, captured or otherwise taken control of small islands in the blue waters of the Caribbean.

Most lines have been content to ad a few amenities and for the most part let passengers frolic in the warm waters, relax on the beach and gorge themselves on hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and cole slaw.. Not too bad.

Disney Cruise Lines has never let the obvious control its direction. As with its parent company it seeks to add options for its passengers that make a good trip great. So it is with Castaway Cay, the private island in the Bahamas where all Disney ships cruising the region stop for a day of fun and down time.

DISNEY'S 'HALLOWEEN ON THE HIGH SEAS'

Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has announced a frightfully fun event coming up later this year -- Halloween on the High Seas. New for 2013, here are the details from this Disney press release:

"Halloween on the High Seas takes place on most voyages aboard the Disney Dream from late September through October. This brand-new event features Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor including a Halloween Tree that transforms throughout the cruise. Other special experiences include:

•Mickey’s Calling All The Monsters Mouse-Querade Deck Party, a celebration in addition to Pirate Night with games, dancing and some Disney characters in Halloween attire.
•A Nightmare Before Christmas—Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where guests are part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack Skellington and Sally.

DISNEY 'AQUADUCKY DERBY' RAISES $14,000

Disney Cruise Line reports "thousands of Disney Cruise Line guests and crew members recently volunteered their time on all four ships to take part in the first 'AquaDucky Derby' rubber duck races in the ships’ pools and famous water coasters to raise nearly $14,000 for Make-A-Wish International." That's a cause Pam knows well, having chaired a campaign that raised over $65,000 for that organization.

Disney crew members and guests "purchased yellow rubber ducks to decorate and then enter in a water-filled race aboard the ships. Races took place in Goofy’s Pool on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, while those onboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy utilized the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea exclusive to Disney Cruise Line."

This video shares more:

DISNEY RELEASES 2014 SCHEDULE

The Castillo de San Cristóba in Puerto Rico (Credit: Disney)

Disney Cruise Lines has released their 2014 cruise schedule. For the first time, Disney ships will homeport from Venice and San Juan, and the line is expanding their European voyages as well, highlighting the Greek Isles. From May to August 2014, the Disney Magic will sail from Venice and visit destinations in the Greek Isles and Sicily for the very first time, including Katakolon, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini and Corfu, Greece and Catania, Sicily. Disney Magic also will sail four cruises to the
Southern Caribbean from San Juan during September and October, including a stop in Grenada – a new port. Get more details about their 2014 schedule at http://www.disneycruise.com. -- Gerry

START PLANNING NOW FOR SUMMER CRUISING

Traveling
With Bob and Sandy Nesoff
Members: American Society of Journalists and Authors
Special to Cruising Squared

There was an old ribald limerick that told you what not to do in the summer when it was “…hot and sweaty...” but rather wait until the “…frost is on the punkin…”

The Disney Magic at Castaway Cay
(Photo: Nesoff)

The same holds true for planning summer trips. The interesting and fun trips sell out fast and prices go up as well. If you are thinking of some quality down time this summer, now is the time to begin doing research and confirming plans.

An added bonus is that you may save a considerable amount of money by doing so in winter because suppliers are anxious to confirm as many bookings as possible. As time draws closer and they aren’t in dire need of filling rooms and cabins, prices are…well, pricier. If huge discounts suddenly show up at a late date it’s most likely for less than top of the line offerings.