The New Disney Wish – Dream Cruisin’ to the Bahamas with Disney Cruise Line 

A cruise may not be on your vacation plans, but here’s news about an experience that can change that. The latest member of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Wish, just launched their maiden voyage in mid-July with a full schedule of trips to come. Having never been on a cruise before, I didn’t know what to expect but the prospect of being a part of the ship’s inaugural voyage was inviting. The excursion turned out to be dream come true.  

Disney Wish is the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet that has been six years in the making.  It joins the Disney Magic that had its maiden voyage in 1998; the Disney Wonder, maiden voyage in 1999; the Disney Dream, maiden voyage in 2011; and the Disney Fantasy, maiden voyage in 2012.

A Disney cruise is for people of all ages as it offers an impressive array of amenities, extraordinary entertainment, and marvelous meal options. My husband and I are senior citizens and we loved it! Departing from Port Canaveral in Florida, there are currently 3-night Bahamian Cruises to Disney Castaway Cay and 4-night Bahamian Cruises to Nassau in the Bahamas and Disney Castaway Cay.

Grand Hall

Our departure transition from the terminal at Port Canaveral to the ship was absolutely seamless. The moment Disney Wish guests step onboard they are welcomed in the elegant Grand Hall, the entrancing space that is centrally located on the ship.

Staterooms are spacious, beautifully appointed and have all the comforts of home. They are a special place to unwind after a full day of fun and relax as you watch your favorite flicks. Most of the ship’s 1,254 staterooms will offer an ocean view, including 877 with a spacious verandah and there are 451 connecting doors that adjoin rooms to accommodate larger families.

Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge

First food! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are sure to please with the Disney Wish culinary program. The meal options will satisfy every member of your group, young and old alike from the pickiest eaters to gourmands.  ou’ll be scheduled for rotational dining in one of the three delightful restaurants for dinners that include Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel, and 1923. Your gracious service team accompanies you to each restaurant throughout the journey. Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure features a charming stage show while you dine on Nordic inspired fare, and Worlds of Marvel invites guests to join a cinematic adventure.

1923

1923 is an elegant, relaxing dinner venue with a décor that features decades of Disney memorabilia. You can also catch a savory bite anytime at Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods. Marceline Market has wonderfully curated casual meals with choices galore. But don’t stop there. When you’re looking for refreshment, there are inviting bars and lounges all around the ship. You can also indulge in exclusive, premium dining at Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose. The adult only bar and lounge experience, Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, shouldn’t be missed. There’s also 24-hour room service for those midnight cravings. 

The Little Mermaid

Did we mention entertainment?  Disney Wish was created with entertainment in mind. The cruise offers a vibrant schedule on every voyage, including spectacular stage shows, exciting deck parties, character experiences, fun family activities, and contemporary cabarets. State of the art venues are tops with the Grand Hall a gathering space for interactive entertainment; Luna entertainment hub; the futuristic Hero Zone; Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas where guests can watch classic and first-run films; and the Broadway-esque Walt Disney Theatre, a show palace with productions like Disney Seas and The Little Mermaid musical that were developed exclusively for Disney Cruise Line.

Disney Wish Upper Decks

Have your bathing suits ready for each day of your cruise. The great outdoors beckons with six pools and lounges on the ship and the AquaMouse, a wild water ride that zooms though 760 feet of winding tubes. The Toy Story-themed district is a water wonderland for children and their families. When you arrive at the wonderful Bahama’s destination, Disney Castaway Cay, catch some rays on the beach, enjoy a BBQ luncheon, go paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.

Toy Story Splash Zone

Kid’s alert! While grown-ups are on the ship enjoying shopping, a visit to the lush Senses Spa, Senses Fitness, and the adult Quite Cove pool district, youngsters have their own special place, the Disney’s Oceaneer Club. This magical wonderland, expertly supervised, has captivating opportunities for children ages 3-12. The Club includes the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and for the youngest guests, ages six months to three years, It’s a Small World Nursery. There’s also the Edge for ages 11 to 14 and Vibe for ages 14 to 17.  These two spots are trendy hangouts where tweens and teens can have fun in their own way, with programming to engage the interests of these age groups. We were amazed by the thrilling opportunities for Disney Wish’s young travellers.

Food, fun, entertainment and enchantment await Disney Wish cruise guests. Simply let the magic happen! For more information please visit Disney Cruise Line.

Top photo: Disney Wish at Sea

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

About Marina P. Kennedy (146 Articles)
Marina Kennedy began her writing career when her four children were grown and she returned to college to study in the humanities. She is delighted to be a contributor for Woman Around Town. The majority of her articles focus on the culinary scene, theatre, and travel. Marina and her husband Chuck enjoy the rich cultural experiences of the New York metro area and beyond. She hopes that readers like reading her articles as much as she enjoys writing them.