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If it’s possible to bask in more luxury while floating on a glittering ocean in the warm sun, then one would be hard-pressed to conceive of it. With the Disney Dream, the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, families can spend their vacation in an opulent city on the sea.
At least, that’s what Disney would like you to think. Disney Cruise Lines aims to dazzle, and the effect from the announcement of the Dream is nearly blinding. In these tough economic times we need to be careful with our money, so trying to make decisions about taking expensive family cruise vacations while hypnotized by stunning concept art and lavish descriptions isn’t the wisest option for everyone.
I know; I was taken in just by the list of luxuries available on the Disney Dream. The new ship continues the tradition set by its predecessors of providing an array of entertainment for the whole family. At the magical oasis of the Dream’s Oceaneer Club, kids can shrink to the size of a toy, become a pop star, or embark on a great seafaring adventure.
In reality, the rooms encompassing the Oceaneer Club provide children with life-sized versions of the characters from “Toy Story,” allowing kids to play along as if they were in the movie. Karaoke-style sing-alongs are provided, and the club also features a room designed after a ship captain’s study complete with digital screens of virtual seas upon which children can sail, arcade-game style.
As for its newest innovation for mealtime, the cruise line is unveiling a magical dining experience via personal touches with rotational dining. The Dream features three different themed main dining halls: Animator’s Palate, Royal Palace, and Enchanted Garden. Dinner is served on a rotational schedule in each of the rooms throughout the cruise. However, guests keep the same server each night to facilitate continuity.
Continuing on the trend of theme rooms, the ship offers adults the chance to escape into The District, an exclusive playground for grown-ups. The area is comprised of five adults-only lounges, featuring bars, music, and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere.
Not able to afford an exclusive ocean-view room? No worries. The Dream has you covered with its latest stateroom innovation. Virtual portholes grace every stateroom, giving guests a clear digital view of the ocean outside streamed live from digital cameras posted on the ship’s exterior. That’s right; each room has two televisions: one of the traditional variety, and the other offering nothing but a constant feed of the water outside (one is occasionally interrupted by programmed appearances from Disney characters).
A trip on the Disney Dream does sound like a dream family vacation. It offers all the classic cruise fare: fine dining, deck pools, waterslides, and stops at tropical islands. On top of that it has impressive rooms exclusively catering to children, teens, and adults.
If all of that appeals to you, then the Dream is a perfect vacation choice. The Dream will set sail on its maiden voyage on January 26, 2011. Information and bookings are now available on the Disney Cruise website.
Related Articles:
Ways to Stretch Your Travel Dollar
Spending Your Holidays on a Disney Cruise
5 Great Reasons to Take a Disney Cruise
Family-Friendly Holiday Vacation Ideas
*(This image by flickrized is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
