Don’t be a Pier Runner!!! - AKA Why You Should Book Port Excursions/Adventures with the Cruise Line you are on!

 Don’t be a Pier Runner!!!

AKA Why You Should Book Port Excursions/Adventures with the Cruise Line you are on!

What is a Pier Runner? A Pier Runner is someone who gets off a cruise ship in port and does not return to the ship on time. They go running down the pier to catch the ship at the last moment. Sometimes they miss the ship! Cruise ships pay for the time they are at the Dock. They must leave on time or be charged penalties. Besides the fees they have a schedule to keep. They have a set time to be at the next port that sets them up for the next port and so on. They cannot and will not wait for you. You will be left behind and need to find your own way to the next port or home if you miss the ship. It is YOUR responsibility to be back on board on time. So, make sure your watch, phone or whatever you are keeping track of time with is set to LOCAL Port time! Best yet, be back early!

We all know it is tempting to book the “same” Port Excursion/Adventure with a Non-Cruise Line provider. Hey, it goes to the same place and costs LESS!! Who does not want to save money?! Why is that not a good idea? There are 2 reasons. 1 How trustworthy is the company you find online or the person you find on the dock? Are they real or could then take your money and run or will they take you into danger? Yes, that is a possibility. Still there are good services available that you can trust. 2 Will they get you back in time to make the ship before it leaves? You have no guarantee they will.

Why should you book with Disney or other Cruise Lines when it costs extra? When you book Excursions with the Cruise Line the Port Adventure Company will notify the Cruise Ship of any delay. There is communication there that is not possible with non-cruise line booked excursions. Cruise Lines will delay leaving as long as possible when they know a Port Adventure booked with them is delayed in returning. They will delay even if they don’t get a call as they check on their guests. If you are on a Cruise Line Booked Excursion the Cruise Line is responsible for helping you get to the next port or home.

Just remember, it does not matter if you just hop off to walk around the port/town, book an excursion with the cruise line or on your own with an outside vendor or just grab a taxi at the port. It is YOUR responsibility to be back on board the ship at the time announced by the cruise line! Don’t be a Pier Runner and get left behind!

Thoughts on Disney Cruise Line Late 2025 and Beyond!

 

Thoughts on Disney Cruise Line Late 2025 and Beyond!

 

This post has no official information on what will happen with Disney Cruise Line Ships after the current itineraries. (This includes the just released Summer 2025 Itineraries.) This is completely my thoughts and hopes for the future of DCL Cruising. 

Between 2022 and 2025 DCL will double its fleet from the 4 ships to 8!! There are 3 left to be completed and join the fleet in 2024 and 2025. In order they are Disney Treasure (Maiden Voyage will be 12/21/2024), Disney Adventure (Maiden Voyage not yet announced but will sail from Singapore.), and Disney Destiny (Maiden Voyage and placement not yet announced but we know it will be based in the USA.)

 

DCL’s Main Homeport is Port Canaveral, Florida. This has always been the homeport of Disney Cruise Line Ships since the line started in 1998. In June 2024 DCL will start sailing out of a second dedicated terminal at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These are the year-round ports that Disney sails from. The terminal buildings are Disney themed and dedicated to DCL alone. From late spring and through the summer of 2025 Disney Magic, Disney Wish and Disney Treasure will sail from Port Canaveral.

 

DCL has been sailing from Miami, Florida for part of the year, but will no longer be doing so as of 2024. They would sail from Miami before sending the ship to Europe for Meditation cruises. Instead of Miami Disney will now sail from a dedicated Terminal at Fort Lauderdale. Disney has made a commitment to being in Fort Lauderdale and a financial commitment to setting up a terminal for those ships. Disney Dream will be sailing from this homeport through Fall 2025.

 

Disney ships also have regularly sailed from New Orleans, Louisiana, Galveston, Texas, San Diego, California, with a summer stay at Vancouver, Canada for the Wonder to do Alaskan Summer Cruises. In 2023 and 2024 Disney Wonder has or is scheduled to sail to Australia for the US Fall/Winter and Australian Summer Season. We do not know if this will be repeated in 2025 as of yet.

 

In Summer 25 the Miami, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Galveston, Texas are not on the itineraries. We do not yet know what will happen at the end of 2025 when the Disney Destiny is planned to join the fleet in the US and the Disney Adventure is to be introduced in Singapore. This is sad for Miami, New Orleans and Galveston DCL cruisers!!

 

So with this information what do I see happening and what do I hope happens at the end of 2025 and beyond.

 

I can see 2 Disney ships homeported at Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale year-round, offering Caribbean and Bahaman cruises. Not much will change there as we usually have 2 ships there. It is only what ship that will change. I believe Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destany along with either the Dream or Fantasy will homeport between Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale. Either the Fantasy or Dream will go to Europe for the summers.  The ship that does not go to Europe may go to the other ports, New Orleans, Galveston, and maybe additional Gulf Coast ports. Unsure if this will be the case.

 

I can see one ship, most likely the Magic or Wonder having a homeport on the west coast. This could be San Diego (where Wonder usually ports) or maybe a port in Oregon or Washington. I am sure Wonder will continue to do its Alaskan Summer cruises from Vancouver, Canada. Maybe Disney Magic will do a Panama Canal trip twice a year and be in San Diego while Wonder is in Alaska. That would be a joy for West Coast Disney Cruise Fans! I can only hope Disney Cruises will start adding northbound Pacific Coast Cruises touching into Canada before returning to a port on the West Coast. Maybe put the Magic in San Diego doing Mexico Baha cruises and the Wonder further North heading to Canada is an option. This is truly my hope and dream for beyond 2025.

Why is it always Disney Wonder doing Alaska? Wonder has had some extra design work done to make the decks a little more comfortable in the cool Alaskan Summer. They have more glass around the decks to shield the decks from the cool breezes of the Alaska waters.

 

Why can’t one of the new ships come to the West Coast? Great question!! It is one I asked and hunted for the answer for. The only Disney Cruise Line ships that can make the Panama Cannel crossing are the Magic and Wonder. All the others are too tall to go under the Bridge of the Americas. Because of this I don’t see any of the newer ships coming to the West Coast. It would be a very long cruise to bring one of the newer ships to the West Coast. I think that will only happen if they decide to leave her on the West Coast after that trip.

 

Disney Adventure will be homeported in Singapore for at least the next 5 years. From there she can do a lot of cruising to Asia and even Australia/New Zealand. We will have to wait and see where exactly she goes. It will truly be an Adventure!

A little information about the Disney Adventure. Disney Adventure was not originally being built for Disney. A Chinese cruise line ordered the ship before the Covid pandemic. The ship was around 1/2 built when both the cruise line and the shipyard building her when under due to the financial burden of Covid. Disney came in and purchased the ship and asked Meyer Werft Shipyard to take over the shipyard and continue building the ship. This ship will carry around 6,000 guests when completed.

 

Again, these are only ideas I have for what may happen once Disney has 8 ships in the fleet!!

 

 

 

 

How do You Choose a Disney Cruise??

 How do You Choose a Disney Cruise??

 

There are several ways to pick a Disney Cruise. First, I’ll say no matter where or what ship you sail on you will enjoy yourself. Here is the main questions to consider.

Are you more interested in what the ship has to offer or the Ports of Call? Personally I’m more interested in the ship but do enjoy the ports as well!

 

If you are more interested in what the ships have to offer, make sure you consider the following:

Restaurants – Some of the ships have 2 restaurants with shows during meals while others have only 1. The one with no show is more of an elegant restaurant with beautiful Disney theme but no real show.

Shows – Do you have a favorite Disney movie you would love to see in a live show? Check your ship!

Additional Offerings - Such as AquaDuck/AquaMouse and Incredible Sports area, AR Game on the app or Muppet Detective Agency, Kids Club offerings are slightly different between ships as well.

Length of Cruise – Some ships only offer 3 & 4-Night cruises while some offers 7-Night+ cruises.

 

If Ports of Call are what you are interested in make sure you look to see if the itinerary you are heading for has places you wish to go to.

Do you want a taste of Europe? Consider the Mediterranean cruises offered during the summer. Want to see Alaska? Go on the Wonder during the summer! Want an Island get away?? Any of the Bahaman or Caribbean Cruises are fantastic and will include a stop at one of Disney’s Private Ports, Castaway Cay, or Lookout Cay. In 2025 and beyond you can go on the Disney Adventure and check out ports in Asia and the South Pacific.

 

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are the Classic Ships. They are twin sisters and very similar in style and build. Magic was the 1^st of the Disney Ships and Wonder was the 2^nd. These are the 2 smallest ships of the fleet. They do not have the AquaDuck or AquaMouse. Magic does have a much smaller slide called the AquaDunk that is fun. It is nothing like the AquaDuck or AquaMouse. They are beautifully themed and have a nautical design. 2 of the 3 main restaurants you will enjoy in the evenings have shows while you dine! You will see the Black and White walls of Animator’s Palate go colored and pictures on the wall come to life while you dine. In Tiana’s Place and Rapunzel’s Royal Table get ready for live music and entertainment while you dine! Shows are different in the Walt Disney Theater on the two ships. So you will see something different between them.

 

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are the second set of twins for the Disney Cruise Line. They are s little larger than the Magic and Wonder. They both have the AquaDuck, the first Water Coaster at sea. They have mini-Golf and the Muppet Detective Agency where you can solve a Muppet Crime! This is lots of fun for everyone. Only Animator’s Palate has a show. It will either be a version of Turtle Talk where Crush and friends come to talk to you during dinner. You may be asked to your own character, you will be given instructions to follow and you may see it come to life on the screens with classic Disney characters.

 

Disney Wish was the last ship to join the fleet in 2022. Her triplet sisters, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will be joining in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and we assume Disney Destiny will have 2 restaurants with live shows during dinner. Wish and Treasure have the Marvel Cinematic Dining Adventure that has a show. Wish has Arendale a Frozen Dining Adventure and Treasure has Plaza Da Coco. Disney Destiny’s restaurants have not been announced as of yet. You will not find Animator’s Palate on these ships. The Wish and Treasure have the AquaMouse (The first Disney Attraction at sea. Part Water Coater like the AquaDuck and Part Dark Ride.) We can assume Disney Destiny will also have a version of AquaMouse. Wish has 2 story lines for AquaMouse. Treasure has 3 story lines planned. We have not even heard if Destiny will have AquaMouse or not, but can assume she will. I’m guessing she will get the 3 stories from the Treasure and add one of her own.

 

Little is known about Disney Adventure. What we do know is she was not purpose built for Disney. Disney found the ship sitting abandoned in a closed shipyard over ½ built. She was being built for a Chinese Cruise Line that went under during Covid. The shipyard also closed down due to Covid. Disney purchased the ship and had the shipyard that is building the Treasure take over completing the build and changing it to fit Disney design. We know she will be ported in Singapore for at least 5 years after she is complete. She is much larger than any of the other Disney ships. That is all we really honestly know about Adventure.

 

I’m going to tell you what I choose. I look at the restaurants and shows first. Then I look at the other onboard offerings. After that I look at the ports to see if I want to go there. If the ship is interesting, I don’t care about the ports because I’ll just stay on the ship, enjoying myself. I look for at least 2 restaurants with “shows” so Dram and Fantasy are lower on my list. I love longer cruises and only do short ones that leave from a local port.

 

I hope this helps you pick a cruise!!

 

Need more information and help picking a cruise?? Let us know!

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Disney Cruise Line Reveals Name and Theme of Next Ship

 

Disney Travel News

Disney Cruise Line Reveals Name and Theme of Next Ship

Sailing 2025

By: Disney Destinations

Today, we are thrilled to share the very first details about our next Disney Cruise Line ship!! From Zero to Hero – just like that! – we are embarking on an epic new journey steeped in the lore of our favorite Disney Heroes and villains.

The Disney Destiny, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will have a first-of-its-kind design theme, “Heroes and Villains,” drawing on the legacies of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions.

The Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering teams were inspired by the dynamic duality of every great Disney story when developing this new ship, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their purpose. Onboard, guests will encounter heroes and villains alike – including those from beloved Walt Disney Animation stories like “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” – within spaces, experiences, and entertainment throughout their voyage.

Minnie Mouse embodies the spirit of the Disney Destiny in the brand-new filigree artwork for the bow of the ship, continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line design tradition. Donning a heroic new ensemble a - cape and all! – and a valiant pose, she will boldly lead guests on epic cruise vacations.

The Disney Destiny also reached a new construction milestone today with the keel laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, which is a maritime tradition designed to bestow good luck upon the ship. Delivery for the Disney Destiny is scheduled for 2025.

With this ship of destiny beginning to take shape, stay tuned for more details!

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Updates: Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Tropical Destination

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Updates:

Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Tropical Destination

By: Disney Destinations

 

Hello, travelers! Follow along for exclusive updates as we await the grand opening of Disney Lookout Cay and Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind tropical retreat on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera, opens this summer. This beautiful destination will offer a window into the rich culture, warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty of The Bahamas.

Today, we’re excited to share first-look photos of construction progress, which give a glimpse of the inspiration and stunning architecture of Disney Lookout Cay of Lighthouse Point.

Cabanas

The vibrant colors and patterns designed by a Bahamian artist dotting the beautiful shores of Disney Lookout Cay? Those are the Mabrika Cove Cabanas, which will be available for families to relax and play along the white sand and turquoise Bahamian waters.

Among the first sights guests will see when approaching Disney Lookout Cay, the colorful cabanas will set a tone for the vibrant and beautiful architecture throughout the island destination.

True-True Too BBQ

Walt Disney Imagineering designed the architecture throughout Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point to resemble a series of colorful, oversized seashells scattered along the coastline. From these beautiful decks under the shade of a shell-inspired pavilion, guests will enjoy some tasty lunch from True-True Too BBQ while taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and sand dunes.

Can you spot some nature-inspired art under the pavilion? That is just a peek of the art that will fill these beautiful spaces, all drawn from coral, seashells, fish, and flowers that inform the architecture and also inspire Eleuthera’s local artists.

Tram Stop

Another early sight of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is one of our tram stops. This space will soon be filled with the bright colors that will light up the destination, Inspired by the warmth of Bahamian art and culture. Expect hair braiding, merchandise, and lots of fun.

Stay tuned for more exiting updates as we count down the days to June!

To fill in information here is some information for earlier Disney Destination Posts.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will have new looks specially designed by acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett whenever they visit Disney Cruise Line’s Newest island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The garments will have a distinct Bahamian flair, inspired by the bright, colorful spirit of Junkanoo, the country’s signature festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades.

We have new details on some of the exciting places guests will find at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point when it debuts in summer 2024! As soon as guests step foot on the breathtaking island destination, they will discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.

This was shared November 3^rd, 2023

Arrival Point – Mabrika Cove

“Mabrika” means “welcome” in Taino, the language of the Lucayans, who are considered the indigenous people of the Bahamas. The language is no longer used, but a few words remain – one of them being “Mabrika.” At this colorful arrival Point, Guests will immediately experience the warmth of the Bahamian culture.

Goombay Cultural Center

Goombay Cultural Center will embody the essence of “Junkanoo,” a Bahamian festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades that will come to life in many ways across Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Goombay is one of the traditional music styles of The Bahamas, involving singing, dancing and drumming. The brilliantly colored cultural pavilion and its Junkanoo-Inspired arch will invite guests to embrace the traditions of the Bahamas, along with the sights, sounds and spirit of the country’s signature festival.

There will be plenty of family entertainment at Tritons Trumpet State. And fun fact: The gazebo name is inspired by one the stunning natural wonders found among the Bahamian beaches -  a large, spiraled seashell commonly called “Triton’s Trumpet.”

Of course, we must mention the shopping opportunities! Treasures of Eleuthera will be the retail shop featuring locally made gifts and artisan crafts. The shops will spotlight Bahamian artists through an array of unique items that families will be able to bring home with them as a special keepsake.

Serenity Bay

Serenity Bay will be a relaxing retreat exclusively for adults 18 years of age and older. Guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line before might recognize Serenity Bay as a must-visit location on Disney Castaway Cay! At Disney Lookout Cay, Serenity Bay will reature a tranquil beach experience with a dining area and private cabanas available for reservation.

Relaxation, breathtaking nature, cultural celebrations, and Disney entertainment for all? We’re excited for guests to experience all that Disney Lookout Cay has to offer when this island destination debuts in summer 2024! There is so much more in store for this incredible Bahamian retreat, so keep following along for all the details.

 

Fan-Favorite Attractions Inspire New Disney Cruise Line Merch

Disney Travel News

Fan-Favorite Attractions Inspire New Disney Cruise Line Merch

 

By: Disney Destinations

March 8^th, 2024

It’s no secret that the Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, will bring stories from favorite Disney Parks attractions to life like never before when it sets sail later this year. From The Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, many of the ship’s venues will be based on Disney Parks attractions, all tying into the Disney Treasure’s overarching theme of adventure. The same beloved Disney Parks attractions will also inspire a brand-new Disney Cruise Line merchandise line!

 

Coming in late 2024 with the launch of the Disney Treasure, the Sea Trinkets collection will invite future guests to take a bit of Disney Parks magic home with them, offering an array of artifacts worthy of any adventurer.

 

Keep reading for a preview of the collection!

Each unique piece of this porcelain coaster set will be decorated with graphic artwork inspired by Disney Treasure venues, including Haunted Mansion Parlor, Skipper Society Lounge and Periscope Pub. The set will be encased by a three-dimensional, barnacle-encrusted box that will evoke the mysterious lore of Disney Parks

Beware of this eye-catching barware! Displayed inside a beautiful sea-worn box with sculpted adventures’ compass, this set will include three essential mixologist accessories. Each piece will draw on iconic Disney Parks attractions and onboard Disney Treasure venues, including a bottle opener that will portray the eerie doorknocker from The Haunted Mansion.

Themed to Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the Disney Treasure’s own Periscope Pub, this steampunk-esque ceramic planter depicts a heart-quickening face-off between the giant squid and the Nautilus. Future guests will be able to bring this gilded conversation piece into their home to serve as a capsule for Disney Cruise Line memories.

Those who sail on the Disney Treasure will discover this unique decor piece that will be reminiscent of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea theming of Periscope Pub. A whimsical addition to any home, the design will feature giant squid tentacles wrapped around a vintage scuba helmet.

The gold-hued jewelry set will come nestled within a carved treasure chest and will include a nautical key-shaped necklace and a curiously mismatched set of symbolic earrings. The distinct logo belonging to the Society of Explorers and Adventures (S.E.A.) will be delicately incorporated into the necklace pendant.

What’s S.E.A. you ask? As the legend goes, the Society of Explorers and Adventures (S.E.A.) is a group of scientists, engineers, mariners and artists who endeavor to explore the unknown world and discover unique objects along the way. This stunning set is a tribute to their adventures and connection to the Disney Parks attractions.

This beautifully bound notebook, embossed with a mythological creature of the deep, will serve as the perfect travel journal for future Disney Treasure guests. Ready to be filled with tales of cruising adventures and treasured memories, its empty pages will await new discoveries and capture the spirit of Disney Parks and S.E.A.

The Sea Trinkets collection will be available for purchase at select merchandise locations onboard the Disney Treasure.

Disney Cruising Is Just For Families With Kids . . . Or Is It?

Disney Cruising Is Just For Families With Kids . . . Or Is It?

 

While Disney Cruise Line is tops in Family Cruising it is also great for adults as well! Families with children can find a place for everybody to enjoy themselves. Families can enjoy shows, pools, waterslides, games, art, craft, and cooking classes together. Kids can go to the Kids Clubs for fun, games and make new friends while the Adults have some Adult fun. Adults can spoil themselves with a meal at an Adult Only Restaurant, Spa & Salon Treatment, Tastings, Adult Only Shows and other Adult Only Entertainment. Everybody gets some time to relax and have fun their way! The extra bonus is parents get some time to relax! That is unusual on a family vacation!

 

What exactly can the Adults in your party do on the ship?

Well as stated all the FREE “Family Activities” such as the water slides and shows. As always you can relax by the Adult Only Pool or in the Adult Only Hot Tub. There are also gameshow style competitions such as Trivia (Disney and not. Art classes just for Adults, Tours of the Ship (Art of the Theme Show), Evening Adult Only Dance, Korokke, Gameshow style shows and other Adult Only shows such as Magic and Comity. You can grab a cup of your favorite drink and take it along to your lounge/pup of choice and relax.

 

For an extra fee there are Alcohol Tastings, Spa & Salon Services, grab a drink at a lounge and Adult Only Dining.

 

The Kids offerings are:

Kids Club that is broken down into Nursery and 3 age groups of Clubs. Each age group has an area designed to appeal to them. For the 3-11 year olds there are specialized Character meet and greets, activities that include interacting with characters, arts & crafts, games, and self directed play themed to some of their favorite shows, such as Star Wars, Marvel, and Toy Story. For the 11-14 there are games, dancing, movies and character interactions. For the teens there is a hangout with more games, dancing, lounge type area and scheduled fun.

 

All kids clubs have trained youth counselors to help guide the kids. Younger kids will need a designated person to check them in and out. For those with trustworthy kids you can authorize self check out for older kids. Older kids (over to 11/12 will be able to check themselves in and out of the youth clubs.

 

This is just a quick list of what there is on a Disney Cruise!!