Ship Review

Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com

 

FUN FEATURES: In true Disney style, this is a ship that has been liberally sprinkled with fairy dust, and the kind of unique features that we’ve come to expect from Disney. Top of the bill is AquaDuck. Described as the first “water-coaster at sea” this fun-filled flume ride snakes 765ft across the deck, taking riders through a transparent tube that swings them out over the side of the ship and along the decks before plunging them through the funnel. Fun, but over too quickly! Another highlight was meeting Crush, the cool-dude sea turtle from Finding Nemo, who livened up mealtimes in the Animator’s Palate restaurant, talking and joking with diners from large video screens mounted on the walls. The décor on Disney Dream is surprisingly tasteful and low-key, evoking the golden age of cruising with art deco touches similar to those found on Disney’s sister ships Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. While the Dream is 50 per cent larger, it still manages to hold on to the same intimate ambience, but benefits from a greater range of facilities and unique flourishes including ‘Enchanted Art’ pictures that magically come alive as you walk past.

 

CABINS: Inside cabins have also been fitted with innovative “virtual portholes” offering a window to the world outside, fed with real-time video footage and spiced up with surprise appearances by Disney characters. Most cabins sleep three to four passengers and are classically designed with maritime-style décor, but one of their best features is the bath/shower room and separate toilet that are such a bonus for families.

 

ADULTS: Adults aren’t forgotten either with The District; a collection of adult-only nightspots on Deck Four, including the novel Pink cocktail lounge; the Skyline metropolitan bar with changing cityscapes along the wall; and Evolution, the line’s first nightclub. On Deck 11 is the Senses Spa where couples’ spa villas cost a cool $449 for two hours, plus an adult pool and deck area.

 

DINING: Disney Dream offers a similar rotational dining experience to the Wonder and Magic where families get to sample the three main restaurants: the art studio-style Animator’s Palate; the conservatory-like Enchanted Garden, inspired by the gardens of Versailles; and the Royal Palace restaurant styled on Disney’s classic princess films. The biggest addition is the debut of the line’s first premier dining option, Remy, named after the rat in the film Ratatouille and serving up French gourmet cuisine under the patronage of award-winning chefs. Its eye-watering $75 per head charge makes it the most expensive speciality restaurant afloat, but a less expensive option is offered by Palo, an elegant Italian fine-dining restaurant costing $20.

 

DATE: 2011