Disney Dream Review

4.0 / 5.0
783 reviews

Dream Cruise for Our Family

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Disney Dream
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NooYawkMama
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

Rating by category

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Additional details

Sail Date: Feb 2017
Cabin: Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
Traveled with children

DREAM CRUISE FOR THE FAMILY

As a first time cruiser, I didn’t really know what to expect during our 3-night Bahamas cruise on the Disney Dream. We had done lots of online research and had an excellent travel agent, but the actual experience itself was a big question mark. I boarded the ship at Port Canaveral along with five family members (two adults and three children, ages 8 and 10). Little did I know how many pleasant surprises lay ahead.

#1: DISNEY ROCKS THE LOGISTICS . . .

Cabin Review

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Veranda is worth the investment IMO. Comfortably accommodates two adults and three school-age children. Choose midship location if you can. See full review for more details.

Port Reviews

Castaway Cay

So much of the experience on Castaway Cay (pronounced "key") depends on the weather. Our day was perfect except for strong winds that resulted in all water excursions being canceled for safety reasons. The folks who had booked excursions were undoubtedly disappointed. We had not signed up for any special excursions, opting instead to debark and just enjoy the beach for the day with the kids.

It's a walk from the ship to the tram stop, but not too far. The tram takes guests to all beach areas on the island. We got to the beach early (recommended) and had no problems getting a group of chairs near the water. People who arrived a couple of hours later had to hunt around. There are beach umbrellas for shade, but they're closed and strapped down if high winds kick up.

The water is shades of blue and green that cannot be adequately described. Look at the numerous photos. It's predictably beautiful. Go and enjoy . . . but IMO, bring hard-soled water shoes if you have them (either for adults or kids). There are lots of little shells on the very clean beach and at the water's edge that are hard on the feet.

I chilled out and read on the beach, but the family did the water slide repeatedly and rented bicycles. I left midday; they came back a couple of hours later. We all had fun.

Bring lots of sunscreen. You'll need it on a sunny day. Insect repellent is provided on the dock as you leave the ship for the beach . . . apply it after your sunscreen for optimal results from what I understand. Due to the wind, we didn't have issues with flying bugs when we were there.

Lunchtime at Castaway Cay was a barbecue. Think ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, etc., etc. Picnic-style tables under shed roofs gave everyone plenty of room. The BBQ was included in the price of the cruise. Staff members from the ship offload the food in the morning, get everything ready and serve. Other food was available on the ship, as well

I did not visit the adults-only beach.

Bottom line: if the weather cooperates, you'll have a great time at Castaway Cay. Recommended, even without excursions.

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