Welcoming Home a Dream

Everyone looks forward to a new arrival, and no arrival has been more highly anticipated than the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Dream.   The third cruise ship in the Disney line, and 40% larger than either Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, each step in building the Dream has been monitored by cruise fans and Disney fans alike.

Welcomed for the first time into her home port, Port Canaveral, Florida (map) in early January, the Dream traveled nearly 6,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from a shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.  Following her maiden voyage on January 26, 2011 the Dream will host up to 4,000 passengers on scheduled three-, four-and five-night cruises.  With all cruises departing from Port Canaveral, the Dream will sail to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay (map), Disney’s private island.

Designed to be reminiscent of the early 20th Century and the golden days of sailing, yet, several first-of-its-kind features has passengers buzzing with excitement.  I for one can’t wait to experience the AquaDuck, a shipboard water-coaster or witness real-time views of the ocean through magical portholes.  Even if you are assigned a lower or inner cabin,  these portholes allow guests to see life on the outside with an occasional surprise visit from some friends from Finding Nemo.

Like the Wonder and Magic, the Dream was fashioned for family travel.  It wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise without special attention paid to all members of the family from teens to even the youngest passengers in spaces designed just for them.  Rest assured, however, there is plenty of space created for adults only with pools, spas, lounges and dining allowing you time together to love the day and nightlife.

Two restaurants,  Palo and Remy have the designation of adult only dining and the promise of an exceptional evening.  Palo will serve Northern Italian cuisine and offers sweeping views of the outstretched ocean for guests 18 and up.  The adult exclusive, Remy, will serve French-inspired dishes in a truly romantic atmosphere.  What could be more romantic than sipping champagne at Pink, the lounge created to appear as if you were inside a bottle of bubbly.

Other elaborately themed restaurants are available through rotational dining allows guests to dine in a different location each night.  Eat like a king or queen at Royal Palace, one of the main dining rooms inspired by Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, or the Enchanted Garden, where your dining experience will magically turn from day to night.  Dinner comes with a show at Animator’s Palate or let nature be the show as you dine on deck at Cabanas.

I will be a guest of Disney Cruise Line aboard the Christening Cruise of Disney Dream and I can hardly contain my excitement.  With so many options for dining, entertainment and relaxation, I am not sure how I will fit it all in!

Photo Selections: DCL News, Phelan Ebenhack, photographer