Disney actually provides one of the most exclusive cruise experiences afloat. Disney Cruise Line® with its two ships is the ultimate family option. The sister ships, Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, can carry 1,750 passengers each (a real head count is its maximum, which can handle up to 3,325 folks each, if every berth is occupied). They keep to the same basic themes throughout, though with different individual features along the way. For example, Disney Magic® has an art deco theme, while Disney Wonder® is more art nouveau.

The ships are found in Port Canaveral, Florida but provide rather different itinerary options. While Disney Wonder® handles three- and four-night trips, limiting its forays to the Bahamas, Disney Magic® cruises seven-night Caribbean itineraries (alternating between Eastern and Western Caribbean). Both of them call at Castaway Cay, Disney's marvelous private island, with family and adult-only beaches. And all the passengers may include a land stay at the theme resort.

Disney has introduced several innovations. The main among them is the cabins, many with a bathroom and a half. One more innovation is the rotating dining room schedule, when the passengers eat at three different restaurants, though with the same tablemates and wait staff. This line was also the first to launch the "soda card concept", an idea which has been picked up by different competitors. And it is clear that Disney ships have no casinos and no libraries.

Disney also plans to expand its line beyond the original two ships.

Though the ships may be equipped for families, they sure are elegant and quite user-friendly as well. Features that are definitely family-oriented include the elaborate Walt Disney Theatre, which looks like a plush Broadway house; the Buena Vista Theatre, which features Disney Corporation flicks; and Studio Sea, designed like a television sound stage and offering a forum for G-rated floor shows.

Disney Cruise Line Details >>