WDW Daily News

Cruise Critic^®, a leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has named the winners of its 9^th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, citing Disney Cruise Line as the “Best for Families” and “Best for Dining.”

Awards were selected by Cruise Critic’s global team of experts who cover the cruise industry extensively throughout the year, and use their combined knowledge to select the award winners. For more information and a full list of Editors’ Pick Awards winners, visit CruiseCritic.com.

Since first setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has received more than 250 distinguished awards from the travel industry praising all aspects of the operation.

Cruise Critic^®, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has named the winners of its 9^th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, naming the best cruise lines of the year across dozens of categories, as chosen by the site’s international team of editors. This is the first year that Cruise Critic has named a full list of winners in a luxury category.

“Cruising has evolved an incredible amount over the past few years,” explains Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor of Cruise Critic. “With so many innovations in technology, onboard offerings and the overall vacation experience, there are some great options out there for those looking to plan a cruise. This list – hand-selected by our cruise experts based on their own first-hand experiences and extensive coverage of the industry — highlights those lines that stand out among an impressive line-up helping travelers narrow down their choices and feel confident when making a booking decision.”

Carnival Vista – Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, launched in May 2016 – was named the year’s Best New Ship, with editors stating it may be Carnival’s best ship ever. The ship was praised for its wide-ranging amenities, including an onboard water park, brewery and 14 restaurants. The line also won Best Value for Money for the third consecutive year for its affordable fares and complimentary activities and dining venues.

Disney Cruise Line was named Best Dining and Best for Families, with editors highlighting the standout service and food in the line’s dining venues, and the variety of onboard venues for family members of all ages – from kids clubs to adults-only venues.

In the river category, AmaWaterways was named the year’s Best River Cruise Line for its attractive amenities for a wide range of travelers – including families and active cruisers – helping to expand river cruising’s audience and offerings. The line was also named Best for Families for its new partnership with Adventures by Disney.

Viking River Cruises received Best Itineraries for the second year in a row, for providing river cruising’s widest range of river options. Emerald Waterways received Best Value for Money – also for the second consecutive year – for its competitive pricing and number of base price inclusions.

In the inaugural luxury category, Seabourn was named the Best Luxury Cruise Line for its impeccable service, creative itineraries and sophisticated touches.  Viking Ocean Cruises was named Best Value for Money for its extensive list of inclusions.

Seattle was named the Best U.S. Homeport in this year’s Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards for its numerous attractions and new Central Link light rail system, making it easier than ever for cruisers to enjoy the port’s charms.

2016 Cruise Critic Editor’s Picks Awards

Best New Ship: Carnival Vista
Best Ship Refurbishment: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
Best Dining: Disney Cruise Line
Best Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: Holland America Line
Best Inside Cabins: Royal Caribbean International
Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
Best Itineraries: Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Princess Cruises
Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions
Best for Romance: Princess Cruises
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
Best North American Homeport: Seattle, WA

River Category

Best River Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Best New River Cruise Ship: Crystal Mozart
Best Luxury River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Best Dining: Tauck River Cruising
Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Scenic
Best Enrichment: American Cruise Lines
Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
Best Value for Money: Emerald Waterways

Luxury Category

Best Luxury Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best New Luxury Ship: Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer
Best Refurbishment: Azamara Journey/Azamara Quest
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Cabins: Regent Seven Seas
Best Itineraries: Silversea Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises
Best Enrichment: Crystal Cruises
Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises
Best Value for Money: Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Spa: Viking Ocean Cruises

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

We are excited to announce that the popular Royal Court Royal Tea experience, which until recently was only available aboard the Disney Fantasy, is expanding and will now be available on all four Disney Cruise Line ships.

This whimsical teatime features a fanciful menu, including a selection of herbal teas and two delicious course – one sweet and one savory. Every child receives a distinguished assortment of gifts as a keepsake of their experience. The cost for Royal Court Royal Tea is $210 for children and $69 for adults.

On the Disney Dream, Guests can already enjoy this experience at Royal Palace on all 4-night sailings. The offering will be extended to all 3-night sailings of the Disney Dream beginning Nov. 4, 2016. Royal Court Royal Tea will be offered on theDisney Wonder at Triton’s on all itineraries beginning Nov. 10, 2016. And, the experience will be offered on the Disney Magicat Lumiere’s on all itineraries beginning Dec. 11, 2016.

Tropical Weather Update

 

October 3, 2016

Disney Cruise Line is monitoring the weather conditions and predicted path of Hurricane Matthew closely.

The October 3, 2016, Disney Dream sailing will now sail to the western Caribbean and feature a stop in Cozumel, Mexico.  The revised itinerary is below:

• October 3 – Port Canaveral

• October 4 – Day at Sea

• October 5 – Cozumel, Mexico

• October 6 – Day at Sea

• October 7 – Port Canaveral Florida

While it’s still too early to tell if any future itineraries will need to be adjusted due to Hurricane Matthew, we are always prepared to visit alternate ports or spend days at sea to ensure the safety and comfort of our Guests. We will continue to provide updates as they are available.

Disney Cruise Line offers holiday fun for you on special Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises.

Thrills and chills await you at every turn during Halloween on the High Seas, thanks to not-so-scary parties, eerie entertainment and bewitching décor – including an evolving Halloween tree that transforms throughout the cruise. And, during Very Merrytime Cruises, you can delight in seasonal magic at sea as they discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor.

Halloween on the High Seas will take place on the following sail dates:

Other special experiences include:

• Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party—an atrium party scare-a-bration in addition to Pirate Night—with ghoulish games, trick-or-treating, dancing and some favorite Disney Pals in their Halloween attire
• Halloween-themed activities for all ages, such as mask-making for kids and pumpkin-carving for teens
• Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where you’re part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack and Sally
• Haunted Stories of the Sea—a campfire-style storytelling experience on the deck
• Halloween movie marathon to get you in the spirit, shown on Funnel Vision and on the dedicated in-room television channel
• Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids—an adults-only party that includes a costume contest

And more spooky surprises await you onboard!

With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss this Halloween celebration at sea. Be sure to pack your favorite costumes and get ready for happy haunts.

Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and may vary by ship and itinerary.

This holiday season, delight in magical merriment at sea with Very Merrytime Cruises—a Disney Cruise Line event.

Very Merrytime Cruises will take place on the following sail dates:

Ship	2016 Sail Dates	2017 Sail Dates
Disney Magic Disney Wonder Disney Dream Disney Fantasy	November 5 – December 23, 2016 November 10 – December 23, 2016 November 7 – December 22, 2016 November 19 – December 24, 2016	November 11 – December 24, 2017 November 10 – December 22, 2017 November 10 – December 22, 2017 November 11 – December 23, 2017

Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as at Castaway Cay!

Disney’s private island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island’s tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Onboard Experiences
On the ship, discover a festive fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor—with a life-sized gingerbread house, 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias, shimmering lights and more!

Other holiday enhancements include:

• Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, a celebration in addition to Pirate Night, with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games
• Tree Lighting Ceremony, where kids can help light the tree and kick off the holiday festivities
• Winter Wonderland Ball—welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters and classic holiday tunes
• Santa Claus meet-and-greet, an exciting opportunity to take family pictures and see Santa
• Meet-and-Greets with some favorite Disney Characters, dressed in their holiday attire
• Teen-only and tween-only holiday parties—private celebrations where teens and tweens can hang out with new friends
• Holiday storytelling, with new and old tales about holidays at sea and around the world
• Themed activities and crafts for kids—decorate stockings, make holiday cards, go on a holiday scavenger hunt and more
• A life-sized gingerbread house made completely with edible ingredients—and the opportunity to make your own gingerbread house*
• Holiday merchandise available for this event

Plus, on December 24 and 25, enjoy additional holiday experiences:

• Cookies on Christmas Eve
• Special holiday towel animals
• Special holiday surprise
• Holiday caroling with the kids and crew
• Religious Services

When you celebrate winter holidays with Disney Cruise Line, you can spend more quality time together with loved ones as you sail from one spectacular port to the next.

Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and may vary by ship and itinerary.

*The life-sized Gingerbread Houses will be constructed in November, and will not be available on early November sailings. It should be completed and ready for viewing in the last week of November.

The Disney Wonder is currently undergoing a transformation to bring new experiences for families, kids and adults. Here’s a sneak peek of all the fun you can expect beginning this fall!

Love it or hate it, Disney isn’t going to let “Frozen” go anytime soon. And why should it? With over $1.3 billion in box office revenues, it’s the top-grossing animated film of all time.

Last month Disney announced that “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular,” a live production featuring eight songs from the Oscar- and Grammy-winning original soundtrack, will debut on the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder in November.

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We are excited to announce that the popular Royal Court Royal Tea experience, which has delighted young princes and princess aboard the Disney Fantasy, is expanding and will now be available on the Disney Dream!

This whimsical teatime features a fanciful menu, including a selection of herbal teas and two delicious course – one sweet and one savory. Every child receives a distinguished assortment of gifts as a keepsake of their experience. The cost for Royal Court Royal Tea is $210 for children and $69 for adults.

On the Disney Dream, Royal Court Royal Tea is now offered on all 4-night sailings at 3 p.m. on the Sea Day. The event will also be offered on all 3-night sailings at 3 p.m. on Nassau port days beginning Nov. 4, 2016. Royal Court Royal Tea on theDisney Dream will be held at the Royal Palace.

The votes are in! We’re thrilled to share that Cruise Critic members have recognized Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, as the “Best Cruise Line Private Island” in its Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.

But that’s not all! Disney Castaway Cay also came out on top as the most highly-ranked island by its members among all Caribbean categories – best Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands.

Cruise Critic’s Cruise Choice Destination Awards is the first-ever destination focused awards based exclusively on member ratings submitted with reviews on the Cruise Critic website. For more information and a full list of Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards winners, be sure to check out CruiseCritic.com.

Get a glimpse at the relaxing adventures awaiting you on Disney Castaway Cay in this video!

Disney is known around the world for its family-friendly entertainment offerings. But family fun doesn’t always come cheap. On Disney Cruise Line, you may end up paying a pretty penny for a vacation. But is the higher price worth it all?

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