Disney Sets Sail Again--and This Time It’s a Wonder

Disney Wonder, the second new ship for Disney Cruise Line in as many years, was christened in Port Canaveral, Fla., Oct. 1 by a twinkling laser beam called Tinker Bell.

The new 1,750-passenger vessel is very similar to its sister ship, the Disney Magic, which debuted last summer to less-than-enthusiastic reviews on its early sailings. The Disney Wonder shows a dramatic improvement in service, staff attitude and cuisine, changes that have also been implemented on the Disney Magic.

The addition of professional cruise directors, ship hotel managers and veteran cruise staff (all missing from the early Disney Magic cruises) creates a more luxurious sailing experience, more like traditional cruises. At the same time, the costumed Disney characters, Disney-themed production shows and Disney-style children’s programs on board underscore the theme park connection.

Earlier this year, Disney Cruise Line executives hinted about a possible third vessel, to be based in Southern California, offering Disneyland packages with three- and four-day sailings, but that’s not in the works at this time, according to new cruise line president Matt Ouimet. The line intends to “focus on the two ships right now,” but does not rule out the possibility of a third ship in the future.

Of more immediate concern is the repair and dock reconstruction on the line’s private island beach at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, which was damaged in September by Hurricane Floyd. Crews are working around the clock to fix it, Ouimet says, and they hope to have it back in business by early to mid-November. In the meantime, itineraries of both ships offer a day at sea in lieu of a beach day.

Adult passengers who complained of nothing to do on the early sailings of the Disney Magic will be pleased to find frequent screenings of first-run films, cooking demonstrations, live sports broadcasts, spa treatments in a 9,000-square-foot spa with sauna and steam rooms, salsa dance lessons, a comedy club for adults only, bingo and an elegant adults-only Italian restaurant called Palo, free with advance reservation.

Neon-accented tail fins and headlights decorate the jazz-themed Cadillac Lounge, while an improvisation troupe entertains in Barrel of Laughs and live music alternates with deejays in the Green Wave.

The same family-oriented production shows created for the Disney Magic are also playing aboard the Disney Wonder. Following Disney policy, there is no casino aboard.

For kids, programs are divided into four age groups, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 10 and 11 to 12, plus a teens-only Common Grounds club and a Flounders Reef Nursery with care for infants and toddlers from 3 months to 3 years for $6 an hour.

Each passenger can dine in a different restaurant nightly on a rotating schedule, sampling Caribbean cuisine in Parrot Cay, seafood in Triton’s and “inventive” cuisine in Animator’s Palate, a black-and-white room that turns into Technicolor as the meal progresses.

Breakfast and lunch buffets are served in the Beach Blanket Buffet on the pool deck, and fast-food snacks from hot dogs and hamburgers to pizza and soft ice cream are available throughout the day on deck.

Add a vivid yellow slide to splash down into the family pool, Mickey’s pool with its shallow water and a Quiet Cove adults-only pool somewhat removed from the first two, and the average American family should be very happy aboard.

The 83,000-ton Disney Wonder sails every Thursday and Sunday afternoon with a daytime call in Nassau, Bahamas, and, once the repairs are completed, a full day at Castaway Cay. Disney Magic sails on Fridays and Mondays. Passengers can combine a land stay of three or four days at Walt Disney World, making for a full week’s vacation.

Prices for the weeklong package range from $799 (with early booking discounts) to a high of $4,089 per person, double occupancy, plus air fare. Children sharing a stateroom with two full-fare adults pay $399 to $899, depending on season.

The lowest-price package is for a standard inside (windowless) cabin in low season (non-holiday sailings between late August and early February) that sleeps two or three, depending on the cabin, with land accommodations at one of the moderately priced Disney World resorts--Port Orleans, Dixie Landings or Caribbean Beach. Unlimited admissions to the Disney parks and use of the Disney transportation system are included.

The most expensive packages are available during peak season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Presidents Day, Easter and Memorial Day) in the royal suite aboard the Wonder and deluxe accommodations at the posh Grand Floridian Resort and spa. Very spacious one-bedroom suites with private veranda that can sleep five are slightly less expensive for the week, ranging from $2,699 to $3,369 per person for the first two adults.

For a family of four or five, we’d recommend the family suite with private veranda, twin or queen-size bed, sofa bed and pull-down berth that ranges from $1,949 to $2,594 each for the parents and $399 to $899 each for the kids.

Passengers who want to take only the cruise will pay from $434 to $2,864 per person, double occupancy, depending on date of booking, season of sailing, quality of accommodations and whether the cruise is three or four days.

Many of the staterooms offer unique double bathrooms, one with toilet and washbasin, the second with tub/shower combination and washbasin, so two family members can use them at the same time. Only the standard inside cabins in the two lowest categories lack this feature.

Closet hanging and storage space is generous, especially for short sailings like these, and hair dryers, personal safes, TVs, telephones with voice mail and individual climate control are included in all cabins.

For a free color brochure, ask a travel agent or call (800) 951-3532, Internet https://www.disneycruise.com.