A major makeover of one of Disney's four cruise ships, the Disney Magic, is running slightly behind schedule, prompting Disney today to postpone the vessel's return to service by five days.

Disney says a five-night cruise out of Miami on the Disney Magic scheduled for Sunday has been canceled. The ship's first sailing since an unprecedented, five-week overhaul in dry dock is now set for Oct. 25.

"We encountered challenging weather conditions that made the necessary work impossible to complete in time for the first cruise," Disney Cruise Line spokeswoman Rena Langley tells USA TODAY. "Clearly, we want the ship to be perfect when we welcome guests aboard."

The makeover of the Disney Magic began last month in a dry dock in Cadiz, Spain and was scheduled to be completed this week as the ship crossed the Atlantic from Cadiz to Florida without passengers.

Passengers on the canceled sailing will receive a full refund as well as reimbursement of airline change fees. In addition, passengers also are being offered a complimentary sailing on the Disney Magic between now and May, 2014. Alternately, passengers can choose a 35% discount on any future Disney cruise in the Bahamas or Caribbean, taken within two years and excluding holiday sail dates.

The makeover of the Disney Magic is one of the most comprehensive of any cruise ship in recent years and includes a complete revamping of deck-top areas, restaurants, children's clubs and more.

The changes to the 1,754-passenger vessel include the removal of its iconic Mickey Pool, being replaced by a new watery fun zone for kids, and the addition of what's billed as one of the most thrilling water slides ever on a cruise ship.

USA TODAY Travel got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look earlier this month at the makeover in Spain, rolling out a series of videos on the project that can be seen in the carousel below and HERE and HERE.

By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

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The Disney Wonder cruise ship, part of the Disney Cruise Line, called at the Port of Falmouth on Tuesday, October 8, on the first of five calls to the port for the year.

The 2,700-passenger vessel, which docked at the Falmouth pier early in the morning, attracted the interest of hundreds of curious onlookers, craft vendors, tour operators, and members of the Falmouth business community.

Several local officials, including the Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill and Mayor of Falmouth, Garth Wilkinson, were invited onboard to participate in a maritime tradition of a plaque exchange, which serves the dual purpose of welcoming the ship, and for the captain and crew to celebrate the vessel’s first call in Jamaica.

In an interview with JIS News, Minister McNeill said that the Disney brand is an incredibly strong one and the visit of the vessel is a plus for Jamaica and Falmouth.

“People know that the company (Disney) is one that tries to have the highest standards and is very discerning about who they do business with and where they do business. So, Disney coming to Jamaica is a tremendous endorsement of Jamaica,” he stated.

The Tourism Minister said that the visit is an opportunity for both brands to learn something from each other, adding that he hopes that the relationship will be a lasting one. “I think that them having come to Jamaica to work with us, and showing confidence in us, and the excitement they have to be here is a great thing,” he stated.

Dr. McNeill, in underscoring the economic benefits of cruise shipping, said that both the government and the private sector have to jointly ensure that systems are in place for the country to fully benefit from the cruise shipping.

Cruise ship passengers disembarked the Disney Wonder cruise ship to visit the various shops in the vicinity of the Falmouth pier. The ship made its inaugural visit to Falmouth on Tuesday, October 8.

“We have to move with the market trends and ensure that what is available to the visitors is what they want,” he stated.

Mayor of Falmouth, Garth Wilkinson, told JIS News that the visit of the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship “is a dream come true for the people of Trelawny”.

While accepting that there are still a number of issues that need to be ironed out within the town, he said he is thankful that another cruise ship has decided to call at the Falmouth pier and especially one as notable as Disney Wonder.

He said that the fact that the cruise is promoted as a family affair, with a number of children on-board, “speaks volumes for how we are viewed internationally as a safe place, which is what we need in Jamaica, that people know that Jamaica is safe to come and really enjoy themselves and do business.”

Meanwhile, former President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Lee Bailey, also underscored the importance of the Disney Brand visiting Jamaica and more so the Port of Falmouth.

“Disney is a very successful company, and a well known company throughout the world. Their standards are extremely high, and so when a vessel like Disney calls at any port, it adds to the credibility of that port, and the credibility of the people and the service that it offers,” he stated.

The vessel is expected to return to Falmouth later this month, twice in November and once in December.

By Bryan Miller, Jamaica Information Service

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In accordance with maritime tradition, Disney Cruise Line Captain Thord Haugen and his shipboard officers hosted local port officials and community leaders aboard the 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder for a plaque exchange ceremony.

“The officers and crew members of the Disney Wonder are excited to be in the Lone Star state for a season of cruises to ports of call in The Bahamas and Caribbean,” said Disney Cruise Line Captain Haugen. “Sailing from the Port of Galveston gives families the opportunity to experience everything they love about Disney Cruise Line in a port close to home.”

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Galveston on a variety of 4- and 7-night itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Some cruises will visit Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder will also sail special holiday cruises for guests looking to celebrate the season on the high seas.

The Disney Wonder will continue sailing from Galveston until January 2014, when the ship will reposition to Miami until it returns to Alaska in summer 2014.

By Disney Cruise Line

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Even as smoking rules get tighter on Disney cruise ships, the dress code is getting looser.

A Disney Cruise Line spokesperson tells USA TODAY the company has begun allowing shorts in the main dining rooms of its four ships — something that has been banned since the line's start-up in 1998.

Disney's website still lists a prohibition on shorts in dining rooms but that is no longer correct and soon will be changing, the spokeswoman says.

The looser dress code applies to the three main restaurants on each Disney ship where the majority of passengers dine in the evening.

Shorts will still be forbidden at Palo, the small extra-charge, adults-only Italian restaurant found on all four Disney ships. Also remaining shorts-free is Remy, the upscale French restaurant on Disney's two newest ships, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. View the two ships' eateries, more in our photo tour.

Dress pants, shirts and jackets are required for men at Remy; jackets are optional at Palo. Women are expected to wear a cocktail dress, pantsuit or skirt/blouse at Remy; a dress or pantsuit is required at Palo.

For in-depth cruise planning information, videos and more, don't miss USA TODAY's new ExperienceCruise site.

By Gene Sloan, USA Today

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Another line has strengthened its smoking policy. In the latest shift, Disney Cruise Line (www.disneytravelagents.com) announced it will ban smoking on stateroom verandas for all Disney ships. Disney had already prohibited guests from smoking in any stateroom or suite.

"From time to time we make adjustments to our operation based upon guest feedback," the line said in a statement. Effective November 15, 2013, "Guests will no longer be permitted to smoke on stateroom verandahs onboard Disney Cruise Line ships."

Disney isn't alone. Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Princess Cruises are among other lines that do not permit guests to smoke on balconies.

Smokers can still light up, though, on guest balconies of Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Disney does not allow smoking in any staterooms, suites or interior spaces on its ships. But "to provide an onboard atmosphere that also satisfies smokers, portions of open-air decks on each ship are designated as smoking areas," the line said in its statement.

What happens if guests violate the policy? Disney says those found smoking in their staterooms or on their verandahs will be charged a $250 stateroom recovery fee.

That fee covers a deep cleaning to include air filter replacement, carpet extraction, the cleaning and replacement of drapes, comforters, blankets, and pillows, along with verandah cleaning and maintenance.

What do you think of this News?

By Travel Agent Central

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While overall customer satisfaction with cruise lines is high in the US, nearly one in five customers experience a problem while on their cruise, according to the J.D. Power 2013 Cruise Line Satisfaction Report released on 27 June.

The inaugural report measures cruise line customer satisfaction based on seven key factors (in order of importance): service; stateroom; food; embark/debark; entertainment; cost; and excursions.

Key Findings:

Disney Cruise Line (871) ranks highest in overall satisfaction among cruise line brands, followed by Royal Caribbean International (838) and Holland America Line at 835.

Price (53%) and past experience with brand (39%) are the two primary reasons for selecting a cruise line.

The average price paid for one person is $1,628 and $2,330 for a group of two to four.

Disney Cruise Line ranks highest in customer satisfaction with a score of 871 (on a 1,000-point scale), significantly higher than the report average of 824, and performs particularly well in the entertainment and food factors. Royal Caribbean International ranks second with a score of 838, and performs particularly well in service. Holland America Line ranks third at 835, also performing particularly well in service.

While customer service, stateroom and food comprise more than 50 percent of the contribution to overall satisfaction, the number of problems passengers experience during their cruise also has a significant impact on loyalty and advocacy. Overall, 18 percent of passengers across all cruise lines indicate they experienced at least one problem on their cruise. On average, cruise line passengers experience 1.8 problems.

Passengers experiencing zero or one problem (61% and 55%, respectively) say they "definitely will" take another cruise with the cruise line they most recently used. When two to three problems are experienced, the likelihood of customers taking another cruise with the same cruise line drops dramatically (33% and 28%, respectively). Among the brands above the industry average, 68 percent of passengers indicate they "definitely will" recommend their cruise line to others, surpassing the report average of 61 percent. A high level of satisfaction translates into customer loyalty and advocacy.

"Many cruise lines in the report have very high levels of passenger satisfaction, well above the report average; however, for more than a year, the overall industry has been dealing with a lot of negative news affecting customer perceptions, expectations and trust," said Ramez Faza, senior account manager of the global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. Power. "To raise the bar, the industry must focus on meeting the needs of the nearly 20 percent of passengers who experience a problem with their cruise line experience. Cruise lines need to understand the causes of customer dissatisfaction and determine what will motivate them to come back."

The primary reason for choosing a particular cruise line is price (53%). However, among customers who say they "definitely will not" or "probably will not" return for another cruise, cost is the driving factor, with their overall satisfaction score at 614 points. The average price paid for one person is $1,628. When the number of people in the traveling party increases to two or four, prices average $2,330 for the group. Among customers who say they "definitely will" return, service is the key reason for their decision.

"To retain existing customers or acquire new customers, cruise lines need to be extremely sensitive to the price point that is most comfortable for customers, while providing the highest level of service possible," said Faza. "It's all about perceived value for customers. Did they get their money's worth? Was the service better than expected? Simply put, cruise lines need to work harder to create an enjoyable experience in which customers feel they are getting a great value for the price. Cruise lines that satisfy their customers and provide them with a reason to cruise again are rewarded with loyal customers."

Most consumers become aware of their cruise line brand through one of several means: the cruise line's website (28%); they are loyal customers who have traveled with the cruise line previously (24%); or they discover the brand from friends and family (17%). Additionally, television plays a role in creating awareness about cruise lines, with 2.8 percent of customers saying that TV ads were the reason they selected a cruise line brand.

J.D. Power offers the following recommendations to customers when selecting a cruise line

The 2013 Cruise Line Satisfaction Report is based on responses from 3,003 customers who traveled on a cruise line in the past 12 months. The study was fielded from May 29, 2013, through June 14, 2013. Notably, among the five brands ranking above the report average, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises (both above the report average) and Carnival Cruise Lines (below the report average) are owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC.

The annual CLIA Europe Conference, formerly the European Cruise Council Conference, was held in Brussels on 25 June 2013, attended by hundreds of key industry personalities, travel agents, as well as EC representatives. A Cruise Business Review correspondent was present at the event. Alan Lam reports.

As the first gathering since the inception of CLIA Europe, the conference addressed a number of regulatory issues - particularly the Schengen visa restrictions that was considered to be a pressing concern by the industry - and highlighted the economic contribution of cruise. CLIA’s Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, spelt out the priority of CLIA for 2013 as to ‘leverage the strength to overcome obstacles’. The legislators in attendance all demonstrated a much better understanding of cruise business and pledge their support for the industry.

Issues such as overcapacity, challenges from Asian shipbuilding and competitive deployment were also discussed extensively. One of the main concerns besides calling for a cruise-friendly legislative environment was how to accelerate the training of travel agents, making them advocates for the cruise sector.

Article by Kari Reinikainen, Cruise Business Review

Illustration by J.D. Power

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Returns to Mediterranean for Fourth Season

PIRAEUS, Greece (June 21, 2013) – The Disney Magic arrives today in Piraeus, Greece, the gateway to Athens, where Captain Robert Olmer and shipboard officers are hosting local port officials and community leaders onboard for a traditional maritime plaque exchange ceremony. This event symbolizes the partnership between the ship and the destination in honor of her first call.

The Disney Magic is spending the summer in the Mediterranean for the fourth year, and continues to offer guests visits to new ports, as well as familiar favorites. The ship will homeport in Barcelona, Spain, for the season and offers four-, seven- and 12-night itineraries.

“The Mediterranean continues to be an extremely popular destination for our guests,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “The incredible history, culture and beauty of these ports-of-call, combined with the legendary guest service, entertainment and storytelling Disney is famous for, make these itineraries magical. Multi-generational families and guests of every age will experience vacations that they will remember forever.”

Disney Cruise Line

Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Most recently, the company was recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisure magazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families. The 2013 x Cruiser’s Choice Awards recognized Disney ships in a number of categories, including Best for Families.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

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Since acquiring Marvel for $4 billion in 2009, Disney hasn’t done a lot in the interactive space – outside of the free Facebook game, Marvel Avengers Alliance. But that’s about to change. And of all places, the convergence of Disney, comics and interactivity will occur on a cruise ship. The Disney Magic, which is being retro-fitted this fall, will set sail in October 2013 with the first interactive attraction featuring Marvel characters designed by Walt Disney Imagineers.

While Disney is still keeping a lot under wraps with the new multi-day interactive experience, Avengers Academy, it’s being designed for kids with video game role-playing elements built in. The experience will take place in a separate large room aboard the ship’s kids space, the Oceaneer Club. The themed room will house real props from the film, including Iron Man’s suit, Thor’s hammer and Captain America’s shield.

“The whole room is programmed so that when the kids get scanned and they get their superpower there will be an accompanying effect,” said Lysa Migliograti, senior project manager at Walt Disney Imagineering. “It will be the full experience within the whole room. This super hero power that they have will be developing throughout the cruise as kids train to become this super hero. It’s really fun because it’s an experience that takes place throughout the entire cruise. The counselors will add to that experience as they work with the kids.”

The room will feature a 103-inch monitor that can be used to play movies, including The Avengers. Migliorati said her team is working on some interactive surprises that will connect these movie super heroes with the kids aboard the ship. There will also be additional interactive elements for this experience, which will be exclusive to Disney Magic (for now).

Disney has focused on video games and interactivity with its two newest cruise ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. With reported costs of $1 billion each, these newest ships, which launched in 2011 and 2012, feature game technology not even available on land. One of the coolest interactive elements – the Magic Play Floor – won’t be part of the Magic makeover (which will be done in just six weeks and include a lot more than just the Avengers room). I like this game floor because it allows as many as 32 kids (or 16 adults) to interact with original video games from movies ranging from TRON to Lilo & Stitch on 32 HD displays built into the floor. I’m hoping the Disney Wonder retrofit next year will include one of these. The Dream and Magic each have two of them.

Disney is bringing over some of the other video game elements from the newer ships. The Magic Play Tables will be part of the redesign. These video game tablets offer multiplayer experiences for up to four players with touch screen interactivity. These original games are all based on Disney movies ranging from Cars to Bolt and they’ve been designed for new titles to be added at any time. It’d be cool to see an Avengers game added to the mix across all the ships.

There will also be ship simulators aboard the Magic. These video games feature ship wheels for steering, various buttons and a gear shift for speed. Players can choose to pilot vessels like a pirate ship or a Disney cruise ship through different interactive adventures. These are the types of gaming experiences that you can’t get at home.

Going back to Marvel for a minute, there might be some people wondering why we haven’t seen any Marvel characters yet in Disney theme parks. This ship is the first integration of characters into a Disney experience, after all. Things are still cloudy with Marvel and Disney theme parks because of an old, long-term licensing deal between the comic book giant and Universal theme parks that includes exclusive rights for Marvel characters east of the Mississippi for theme park use. Hence, the Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure theme park, which includes attractions like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. So that would seem to leave Walt Disney World out of the picture.

With the renovations for the Disney Wonder expected next year, I’d love to see a Star Wars theme as well. I’d expect Marvel to expand to the new ship as well, but Star Wars is a brand new property that could further distance the Disney cruise experience from the competition. But for now The Avengers is plenty for kids of all ages to get excited about, especially in the wings of Iron Man 3.

By John Gaudiosi, Forbes

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Disney Cruise Line’s first ship, Disney Magic, will relaunch later this year with new spaces, reimagined areas and exciting additions for the whole family, including a new twist on the popular AquaDuck slide.

“Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do,” says Joe Lanzisero, senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering. “Walt Disney was a master storyteller and knew how to engage people’s emotions into stories. Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it to the experiences on board our ships.”

Here are some highlights of new “magic” in store for guests aboard the Disney Magic after the “reimagineering” of the ship that takes place during dry dock Sept. 7 to Oct. 10, 2013 in Cadiz, Spain:

A Grand First Impression

When guests board the Disney Magic, they enter the grand atrium lobby that is redesigned to be “elegant art deco, inspired by elements of the sea,” according to Lanzisero. “Filmmaking is the history of our company and in film the ‘establishing shot’ sets the scene,” he said. “This is the same with the atrium, as we begin telling our story.”

The three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made carpet of coral, blue and aquamarine seashell-inspired designs. The art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun as they glisten of the surface of the ocean. Opulent furnishings, a grand piano and giant portholes recall the days of early 20th century ocean liners. The lobby’s centerpiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of “Helmsman Mickey,” ever-smiling and keeping watch as guests stroll past. The famed statue, which has stood in the atrium since the ship was launched, will receive a special makeover bringing new luster to its golden hue.

Disney, Disney-Pixar & Marvel Characters Join the Fun

Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to 3- to 12-year-old children, is a completely re-imagined area that transports children to the realms of brave super heroes, adventuresome toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s club for creativity and fun.

With Marvel now a part of the Walt Disney Company family, this will mark the first time the Super Hero icons of Marvel have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineers have created a new space for children to enter into the Marvel Universe.

Marvel’s The Avengers will make their presence known in an epic way aboard the Disney Magic, with Marvel’s Avengers Academy calling Disney’s Oceaneer Club its new seaward home. Young crime-fighters will be transported to a high-tech command post used by The Avengers for special missions and operations training.

Throughout the base, displays featuring some of the equipment that helps to make The Avengers the earth’s mightiest heroes – Iron Man’s suit of armor, Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer — inspire super hero “recruits” through their academy missions. Avengers Academy is a multi-day, immersive entertainment experience where children interact with Marvel characters and unleash their inner super heroes.

Adjacent to Marvel’s Avengers Academy is Andy’s Room, where stars of the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy come to life in a multi-level space. Stocked with all of Andy’s favorite toys, the room features a larger-than-life Mr. Potato Head, a giant version of the lovable piggy bank, Hamm, and a Slinky Dog slide.

Next door is Pixie Hollow, the enchanted land of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. In this magical forest setting, Tinker Bell’s teapot house serves as a costume closet and children can make crafts while sitting on stools shaped like mushrooms and acorns.

In Disney’s Oceaneer Club guests will find the Mickey Mouse Club, another new children’s area. Inside a room splashed with Mickey’s signature colors of red, yellow and black, kids can create crafts and play games on ear-shaped tables. The club also features Goofy Gears, an oversized activity where kids play with wacky, magnetic spinning gears.

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab takes 3-to-12-year-old children on a journey of discovery, exploration and adventures. At this new pirate-themed area, children are encouraged to create, play and explore. An animator’s studio, a pirate workshop and lab lets kids get hands-on to create experiments and art projects, and Navigator Simulators let young buccaneers steer a ship through the mysterious waters of The Caribbean.

For the youngest cruisers — ages three months to three years — is the new It’s a Small World Nursery. Inspired by the style of Disney Legend Mary Blair, this whimsical world is a place of age-specific fun and discovery, with trained counselors.

H2…OH!

The upper ship decks of the Disney Magic have been redesigned for plenty of splashtacular fun, with waterful adventures that include a three-story water slide for thrill-seekers and a Huey, Dewey and Louie-themed toddler splash zone for smaller ducklings.

Water thrills are found on the AquaDunk, a new three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch. Riders step inside a translucent tube and await the near-vertical drop that takes place when the floor beneath them opens like a trap door. The drop sends guests on an exhilarating, swift and splashy ride in a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship. Guests taller than 48 inches can enjoy the AquaDunk.

AquaLab is an interactive water playground open to kids ages 3 and up. Families can frolic among pop jets, geysers and bubblers in this fun 1,800-square-foot space, while the Twist n’ Spout water slide gets them drenched with more than 250 feet of sliding fun of loops and turns. Twist n’ Spout is for guests between 38 and 64 inches tall.

Tots up to age 3 can play in the new Nephews’ Splash Zone, a splash-a-second area dedicated to interactive fun and starring Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. The area features water play with pop jets, squirting figures of Donald Duck’s nephews and plenty of high seas hijinks.

Disney Dining With an Extra Dash of Pixie Dust

New restaurants and technology are on the menu for the restaurants aboard Disney Magic. Animator’s Palate, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, is updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around.

A heaping helping of entertainment is served up during the brand-new “Drawn to Magic” experience at Animator’s Palate. Throughout this take on Disney Cruise Line’s much beloved classic dinner celebration, the restaurant’s black and white “blank canvas” explodes into full color as Disney characters, such as Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Remy from “Ratatouille,” come to life right before guests’ eyes.

The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic atmosphere in Carioca’s, a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The Three Caballeros,” Jose Carioca. Festooned with lighted lanterns, the restaurant is designed to be “fun by day, elegant by night,” said Lanzisero. During the day, there’s a festival theme and, when night falls, the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours scene of Rio de Janiero, with city-side windows softly illuminated and lanterns flickering overhead. Carioca’s replaces Parrot Cay restaurant, currently on the Disney Magic.

Another new restaurant to the Disney Magic is Cabanas, a casual dining experience with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and a table-service restaurant during dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated “Finding Nemo” inspires the décor with hints of the film’s fishy and feathered friends throughout the restaurant. Cabanas, which replaces the current Topsider Buffet, also is expanding. More inside space is being added, increasing the total square-footage of air-conditioned area by nearly 3,400 square feet to more than 9,460 square feet and a total of 455 seats.

The Fun’s Just Begun When Nighttime Comes

After a day of frolicking on the decks and out and about the ship, Disney Magic offers big city-style fun in After Hours, the nighttime adult entertainment district. An all-new lineup of clubs includes venues for dancing, comedy, music and variety shows. After Hours replaces Beat Street, currently on the Disney Magic.

Fathoms night club is a celebration of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night. “The ocean can sometimes be very calm and sometimes have some big excitement,” Lanzisero said. “That’s what we wanted to create with Fathoms.”

For guests seeking a more low-key nighttime experience, there is Keys piano bar and lounge. Whether guests want to relax with a cocktail and the soft sounds of a piano or “wind down” after an evening of dancing and revelry, Keys provides a refined retreat.

Pub days of olde are recalled in O’Gills, an Irish pub and sports bar designed with traditional decor. Live televised athletic events are on tap for sports lovers.

Open Up, and Say “Spa”

For the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, the enhanced Senses Spa & Salon offers many indulgences. Redesigned with a sleek and contemporary style, this haven of personal harmony provides an unmatched ocean-view environment. The size of the spa is being expanded by 725 square feet, to a total size of nearly 11,500 square feet.

A new Smile Spa offers teeth whitening services, a new barbershop offers services for the gentlemen and the new Chill Spa provides treatments especially for teens 13 to 17 years of age.

Family Fun in the D Lounge

Another reimagined area, D Lounge, offers a variety of family-friendly games, shows, dances and activities designed for all ages. Families can enjoy entertainment, game shows and activities together in D Lounge which replaces Studio Sea, currently on the Disney Magic.

Putting more “room” in staterooms

Disney Cruise Line knows that traveling families always need more space, so features are included in each room to provide more usable space. Bed frames are elevated to provide storage space underneath. The bathrooms include the split-bath feature that Disney introduced to the cruise industry — providing even greater convenience to guests.

By Banks Lee, Orlando Attractions Magazine

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Officials said a 4-year-old boy was pulled from a pool on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship at Port Canaveral Saturday afternoon.

According to a Disney spokesperson, the ship's medical personnel were called to the pool around 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Port Canaveral police also responded to the near drowning.

The child was first taken to Cape Canaveral Hospital, but was then airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital.

A Disney spokesperson said that the child's family is with him at the hospital.

The Disney Fantasy's departure from Port Canaveral was delayed r0ughly 45 minutes due to the incident. The ship left for a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean.

Officials have not released the condition of the child.

Source: WFTV.com

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Disney's newest cruise ship, Disney Fantasy has nabbed five of the top awards in the 2013 x Cruisers' Choice Awards.

Fantasy won in the Best Large Ship, Large Best Ship Cabins, Best Entertainment, Best Public Rooms and Best Service categories--awards that are based on reviews from people who took cruises in 2012.

"What’s really exciting about Disney Fantasy is that with the addition of this new class of ship, Disney is really starting to reach out and appeal to a broader base of travelers," says Carolyn Spencer Brown. "Disney’s gone from being a niche line to one that’s comparable to something like Celebrity or Princess. The high scores that we are seeing almost across the board are a testament to how well-run and well-designed the ship is.”

The Cruisers’ Choice Awards rates cruise ships based on value, shore excursions, service, public rooms, entertainment, fitness, embarkation, dining, cabins and best overall in three classes: large ships (2,000 or more passengers), mid-sized (between 1,200 and 1,900 passengers) and small (less than 1,900).

Other winners this year include Holland America's Noordam for Best Midsized Ship, Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Quest for Best Small Ship and Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas for Best Large Ship for Fitness, Best Large Ship for Embarkation.

Awards in the mid-size and small ships classes:

Best Mid-Sized Ships:

-Noordam (Holland America): Best Overall Mid-Sized Ship

-Marina (Oceania): Best Cabins, Best Dining, Best Public Rooms

-Thomson Dream: Best Entertainment, Best Service

-Westerdam (Holland America): Best for Fitness, Best Shore Excursions

-Norwegian Spirit: Best Value for Money

-Celebrity Summit: Best for Embarkation

Best Small Ships:

-Azamara Quest: Best Overall Small Ship, Best for Fitness, Best for Service

-Azamara Journey: Best Value for Money

-Crystal Serenity: Best Dining, Best Entertainment

-Crystal Symphony: Best Public Rooms

-Seabourn Odyssey: Best Cabins

-Seven Seas Navigator (Regent): Best Shore Excursions

-Wind Surf (Windstar): Best for Embarkation

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html

By Travel Agent Central

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

http://www.cruisecrazies.com

Disney Cruise Line next year will operate its first voyages from Venice, Italy, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. From May to August 2014, the Disney Magic will return to the Mediterranean with Venice as its homeport for select sailings, as well as Barcelona.

A new nine-night Greek Isles itinerary from Venice will visit Katakolon, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini and Corfu, Greece, as well as Catania, Sicily. Seven-night cruises from Barcelona will visit Villefranche, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Naples. Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $995 for five nights, $1,015 for seven-night cruises, $1,827 per person for nine-night cruises and $2,388 for 12-night cruises, based on double occupancy.

The Disney Magic will homeport in San Juan for the first time in September and October 2014, sailing to Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and St. Kitts. Rates start at $945 per person for seven-night cruises, double occupancy.

Also in 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, from June 2 through Sept. 1. One nine-night cruise also calls on Sitka, Alaska, a first for Disney. Rates start at $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $1,305 per person for the nine-night Alaska cruise.

Disney previously announced that it will base all four of its ships in Florida in early 2014. The Disney Magic will return to Port Canaveral, joining the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, while the Disney Wonder will homeport in Miami from January through April. Disney Magic will sail from Miami October through December 2014.

By Theresa Norton Masek, Travel Pulse

MIAMI, Florida (January 10, 2013) – Disney Cruise Line hosted local port officials and community leaders onboard the 2,700 passenger Disney Wonder for a plaque exchange ceremony today. These ceremonies are a maritime tradition and an opportunity for the Captain and the ship’s officers to celebrate the inaugural call on a new port, as well as for local officials and leaders to welcome the ship and guests to the community. This is the first time a Disney ship will have a regional homeport in southern Florida, allowing families from this area to take advantage of departing from a port close to their own backyard.

“We are excited to be in Miami for our inaugural season, sailing from southern Florida for the first time. Miami is an iconic port of call, recognized for its exciting blend of cultural influences, and is very appealing to our guests,” said Disney Cruise Line Captain Thord Haugen. “While in port, families can enjoy vibrant regional cuisine, pastel skyscrapers, South Beach and eclectic shopping.”

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami on a variety of four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In April 2013, the Disney Wonder will return to the West Coast and resume Alaskan sailings from Vancouver. Her sister ship, the Disney Magic, will sail three, four- and five-night itineraries from Miami beginning in October 2013. In 2014, the Disney Wonder will return to Miami to sail on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from January through May.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The last thing cruise vacationers intend to do is embark on a cruise vacation “fast” with a wardrobe limited to workout sweats and jogging togs. But taking a cruise also does not have to be a vacation from a fitness routine.

For vacationers determined to remain “shipshape” during a Disney Cruise Line adventure, there are ways to make a vacation a dream vacation.

On-board Action

• Like the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream have a track for jogging and walking encircling Deck 4. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream tracks are .4 mile per lap – just eight laps are equal to a 5K.
  
• Goofy’s Sports Deck (Deck 13 Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream) includes full-court basketball – an area that can be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court. Can’t find somebody who’s “game” to join you? No problem. Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck are two digital sports simulators that provide a variety of high-action virtual-game experiences putting guests into the middle of hockey, soccer, basketball, rugby, baseball and football.
  
• The 16,000-square-foot Senses Spa & Salon (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) provides tranquility, pampering, an ocean view and nearly 2,500 square feet dedicated to exercise. There’s state-of-the-art equipment for cardiovascular and weight training, and complimentary group classes such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics, stretching and spinning. One-on-one sessions with a personal trainer are available for a nominal fee. On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Vista Spa & Salon is the place to get fit.
  

Active Fun at Castaway Cay

• During stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, sunrise yoga and a morning 5K run around the island are offered.
  
• When it’s time to go in the water, the experiences available include Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure (swimming with stingrays), parasailing, water cycles, paddleboats, kayaks and sailboats, and a 12-acre snorkeling lagoon dotted with sunken treasures.
  
• Guests can explore the interior of the 1,000-acre island either on bicycle or foot. For a bird’s-eye view of the island and a bit of exercise, guests can climb 47 steps to the top of Castaway Cay’s 40-foot-tall observation tower.
  

Cool down

• On Castaway Cay, adults can enjoy a therapeutic massage at one of the private cabanas overlooking the ocean.
  
• The spas on all Disney ships offer a variety of treatments and services such as massages, body wraps and facials. In the spa’s Rain Forest, guests can experience the benefits of steam, heat and water therapy combined with the power of aromatherapy to relax the mind and body. On the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, guests can relish the calming ocean views while reclining in heated mosaic tile relaxation chairs – or lounge outside in a whirlpool hot tub on the private teak deck.
  
• For the ultimate in luxury, the spas feature lavish spa villas, each with an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal whirlpool hot tub, shower and a plush, double lounge chair.
  

Dining

• Restaurant menus on Disney Cruise Line provide options for those looking to dine on the lighter side with vegetarian, vegan and lighter fare options. Some dinner examples include: Grilled Farm-Raised Chicken Breast, Green Asparagus, Pineapple, and Raisin Barley with Herb-Lemon jus; and Fragrant Five Spice Fish – Sautéed White Fish Fillets with a classic Chinese Five Spice Sauce over Baby Bok Choy. Quick-service locations and buffets also offer lighter fare.
  
• Then again, by spending some time on exercise equipment, on the Deck 4 track, biking or swimming at Castaway Cay, or perhaps hooping on Deck 13, a bit of mealtime indulgence won’t leave you less than “shipshape” when the vacation is over.
  

Source: Disney Cruise Line

The cruise ship ‘’Disney Wonder’’ will stop in Cartagena as part of its 2013 Caribbean ports of call.

Along with Florida, Jamaica and Mexico, the 965-foot long cruise liner will make port in the northern Colombian coastal city of Cartagena.

The Disney Cruise Line official website states that Cartagena's "cobblestone streets, historic architecture and vibrant markets" are what makes "this charming South American port city" a great place "to relax and unwind."

This will be the first time in over four years that the Disney Wonder has stopped off in Colombia. As well as a number of restaurants, the ship is equipped with pools, a water slide and other wholesome family fun activities.

By Rob Edmond, Colombia Reports

After an extended run on the U.S. West Coast, and with the European economy still weak, the Walt Disney Co. has decided to move all four of its cruise ships to Florida during the first half of 2014.

Disney Cruise Line said last week it will bring its original cruise ship, the Disney Magic, back to Port Canaveral beginning in January 2014. The 2,700-passenger ship has sailed out of New York and Galveston, Texas, this year and will spend some of next year in Europe.

The Magic will join Disney's newest ships, the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, in Brevard County. The Dream and Magic will offer three- and four-night sailings, while the Fantasy will take seven-night voyages.

By Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

CELEBRATION, Florida (November 13, 2012) – Disney Cruise Line was recognized as the Most Family-Oriented Cruise Line, with the Best Spa Facilities and Best Children’s Programs, in the Porthole Cruise Readers’ Choice Awards. As the pioneers of the family market in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line continues to develop innovative ways to provide a unique vacation experience where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer.

“We love to delight and surprise families sailing aboard our ships, giving them experiences and entertainment they can’t get anywhere else,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “This latest recognition from Porthole Cruise readers highlights how unique and magical a Disney cruise is for guests of every age. Our cast and crew members pride themselves on delivering the most memorable vacation experience at sea, attending to the interests of children, families and adults, and connecting them to the stories and characters they cherish most.”

New Regional Homeports and Ports-of-Call

Now with four ships in the fleet, families can sail to more destinations with Disney than ever before, from a port close to their own backyard. The Disney Magic is currently sailing from Galveston, Texas for the first time. Starting in 2013, guests will be able to choose from four-night Caribbean getaway cruises, six-night Western Caribbean sailings and eight-night itineraries that travel to Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. In December, the Disney Wonder will begin sailing from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

In 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with four-, seven- and 12-night sailings from Barcelona with first-ever stops in Venice, Italy, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Following an eight-year courtship spearheaded by the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), Jamaica has sealed a first-ever call by Disney Cruise Line into Jamaica’s Historic Falmouth Cruise Port beginning October 2013. The 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder will visit the island’s newest port in Falmouth as part of the ship’s latest seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary, which will launch from Galveston, Texas.

“We’re thrilled about Jamaica’s partnership with such as an established legacy brand,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “As we’re constantly seeking opportunities in an array of target markets, Disney’s arrival will further strengthen Jamaica’s positioning in the family market. Our Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was built specifically for the island to have the capacity to receive mega ships, which has resulted in substantial growth in our cruise passenger arrivals,” he added.

With yearly increases, Historic Falmouth Cruise Port welcomed approximately 412,812 visitors from January to August 2012, compared to 253,940 during the same period last year. Jamaica’s Historic Falmouth Cruise Port has won numerous awards following its opening in 2011, including a World Travel Award for “World’s Leading Tourism Development Project.” The port also helped the island win the World Travel Awards for “World’s Leading Cruise Destination,” and “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” in 2011.

The Historic Falmouth Cruise Port officially opened in March 2011 and was a US$213 million project developed by PAJ in partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited (RCCL). The 32-acre, two-berth pier was built to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s Genesis class ships, the newest and largest class of cruise ships. The port offers cruise passengers a new port experience, focusing on highlighting the history of the 240-year-old town of Falmouth. In addition to historic walking tours, travelers also have access to 60 attractions in the surrounding area and in nearby Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Source: South Florida Caribbean News

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2012) – Disney Cruise Line will visit Jamaica for the first time with new itineraries departing from Galveston, Texas in late 2013. The new seven-night Western Caribbean sailings will call on Falmouth, Jamaica, as well as Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.

While in Falmouth, one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns, guests can sample the city’s history and culture, take a trip through time on a horse-and-buggy ride, shop for arts and crafts and taste Jamaica’s signature jerk recipes. Bamboo raft rides along the Martha Brae River offer exceptional views of the island’s lush tropical scenery and nearby Ocho Rios is known for its spectacular Dunn’s River Falls.

Also in late 2013, Disney Cruise Line will sail seven-night Bahamas cruises from Galveston, calling on Key West, Nassau, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. A tropical paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, Castaway Cay is the ultimate escape, with powdery white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters and swaying palm trees. Always a favorite port of call for guests, Castaway Cay is the place for those seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family.

Fall 2013 Galveston Schedule

NEW: Western Caribbean, including Jamaica. The Disney Wonder will sail from the Port of Galveston on seven-night Western Caribbean cruises, including a stop at Falmouth, Jamaica. Plus, three days at sea allow guests to experience the world-class entertainment, impeccable guest service and one-of-a-kind shipboard experience found only on Disney Cruise Line.

NEW: Bahamas, including Castaway Cay. Seven-night Bahamas cruises, include a stop at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay.

Rates start at $840 per person for these seven-night cruises departing from Galveston, for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees and Port Adventures are not included.

Some people say to be careful what you wish for, because you might get it.

Last week, Bidwell Title owner LaDonna Joyner got her wish to experience a hurricane, but being on a cruise ship encountering Hurricane Sandy's strong winds and high waves wasn't quite what she had imagined.

"Experiencing a hurricane was on my bucket list, but I never expected it to be on water," said Joyner.

The encounter with Hurricane Sandy occurred Oct. 25 and 26 aboard the Disney Cruise Line's new ship, Fantasy, on the return leg of a seven-day trip to the eastern Caribbean.

Joyner was with her husband Greg, their daughter and son-in-law, Krista and Neal Grove, and the Groves' 5-year-old and 18-month-old daughters Tatum and Felicity. Both families live in Chico.

The cruise began peacefully enough on Oct. 20 from Point Canaveral, Fla. Joyner said they went to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and stopped at St. John on Oct. 24.

The next day, the Fantasy was traveling back toward Florida with a stop at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, when the captain told passengers the vessel was ordered back to the states.

Sandy had hit Cuba and then the Bahamas before making its way northward toward the Mid-Atlantic coastline.

Joyner said the ship was on the outside edge of the storm, following Sandy between Cuba and Miami.

Friday they really began to feel the storm's impact. It was then that the ship captain told passengers they were in the hurricane.

Joyner said they got a report from the ship's bridge saying waves were from 40 to 50 feet high, with winds up to 65 mph and 70 mph gusts.

"It reminded me of being on an airplane in turbulence," Joyner said excitedly. "The waves were coming toward us. We'd go up and then down — and I'd lose my stomach for a moment — then we'd roller-coaster down."

Things began flying. On one deck, the water in a swimming pool sloshed back and forth and over the side, damaging the interior of the enclosed area surrounding it.

Several times, the ship listed from side to side. When the ship tilted, store shelves toppled over and knocked merchandise onto the floor.

Joyner said at a restaurant on the third floor, "waves would cover the windows."

At times it felt as though the ship would topple over, she said.

Throughout Friday, one thing that helped ease the situation was concentrating on the children. Joyner said the adults were worried, but worked to remain nonchalant to keep the children from being scared.

The youngsters had difficulty walking and standing with the wave action, so Joyner's daughter engaged the girls in a game she named "Fantasy roller coaster."

The worst part of the trip was Friday night, when the ship captain told passengers to stay in their rooms.

"It was too dangerous for people to be out walking around," Joyner said. "We wanted to keep the kids inside, too."

The adults got little sleep that night. The children were thought to be asleep, but Joyner said they occasionally heard giggles.

Although the Fantasy was supposed to arrive in Florida early Saturday morning, it was six hours late, causing the two families to miss their flight back to California.

Joyner said while she wouldn't want to go through the experience again, it wasn't their first cruise and won't be their last. She already has reservations for a 14-night cruise next year.

"We've been cruising for 10 years," she said. "We've been in storms. We've been to Alaska three times and in storms. "We've never been in anything like this."

Although being in a hurricane was an exciting experience at the time, Joyner indicated she has a different perspective in looking back and realizing they could have ended up having to get on life boats and stranded at sea.

"How lucky we were," she said. "As much damage to the ship as there was, I can't imagine it worse ..."

By Barbara Arrigoni, ChicoER.com