Description:

There are two Disney cruise ships (so far), the Magic and the Wonder. Both are tied for second place in the category “largest cruise ship on the seas”. Like a floating resort, each ship houses staterooms one third larger than any other cruise ship and a variety of entertainment venues. There are four full service restaurants, one buffet, and several counter service restaurants on board both ships – all themed in Disney magic. Indeed, in order to make choosing which ship to sail upon easier, the restaurants and their menus are exactly the same with the exception of one: On the Magic, Lumiere’s offers a Beauty and Beast theme while on the Wonder, Triton’s creates an undersea Little Mermaid environment. Both ships have a stadium theatre with delightful Disney productions and a movie theatre showing first run features. Both ships offer state-of-the-Art fitness and spa facilities as well as the best in children’s’ facilities. Characters abound on both ships. In other words, with only a slight variation in colors and theming, one can choose either the Magic or the Wonder and count on a very similar ship experience.

The entrance to the ship from the port is on deck three into a beautifully designed three story lobby reminiscent of early cruise ships from the ‘30’s with curved staircases and ornate Disney sculptures. Also on this floor is the adult section of the ship – themed Beat Street on the Magic and Route 66 on the Wonder. Here, live music, both jazz and dance, as well as comedy improv talent extend cruise activities into the early morning hours. Tritons, on the Wonder, and Lumiere’s, on the Magic, are on the third floor, too. The fourth floor holds the stadium theatre for live performances and two more full service restaurants: Parrot Cay, with a Caribbean flare, and Animator’s Palette, a Disney dining “show” not to be missed. The fifth floor houses the children’s wing for fun and adventure: The Oceaneer’s Club for the younger set and the Oceaneer’s Lab for older group. The ninth floor has the buffet, a pizzeria, hot dog and burger stand, ice cream shop, and pools for both families and adults only. On specified evenings, one of the pools is covered to become a dance floor for a live music party with buffet and fireworks. Deck ten is the home for Palos, the adults only restaurant, a strolling deck, and the ESPN Sports Bar.

There is 24-hour room service on board, and special meal requests are accommodated (with supplies on board). There are excursions for all ports of call, though the ship activities continue for those who wish to remain on board. Concierge service, for stateroom levels 1, 2, and 3 includes a staff person to make all spa and excursion appointments as well as process all personal requests. As well, concierge level staterooms have additional snacks brought to the room each day. The ships hold over 3.000 people, and the staff to cruise ratio is approximately one staff member for every two guests, however, so service is excellent regardless of the concierge amenities or stateroom size.