Disney Cruise Lines offers a spectacular experience that in every way lives up to the on-land, sterling Disney reputation. The ship is spotless and Disney entertainment is crammed into every nook and cranny of the ship, far exceeding expectations.
Disney's Vista Spa & Salon occupies a spacious third of the ninth deck on both ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder), with terrific "alone-time" treatments and the Quiet Cove adults-only pool. The elaborate steam and sauna complex The Rainforest has its drawbacks( it's co-ed and costs extra). The free fitness center boasts the most jaw-dropping view on the ship.
- Not a kid in sight (and no pirates either).
- Excellent facial and foot massage
- Beautiful locker room with a working scale (imperative on a cruise).
- The hot tub soak sits beneath an afternoon sky that swirls from blue to opalescent pink. Exquisite!
- The steam room is co-ed, so bathing suit is required.
- Can't lie down in the steam room -- isn't constructed for anything but sitting.
- The saunas are so cool that I had to ask whether they were on. (They were.)
- During the "alone time" session, the therapist was overly chatty.
- Unless you purchase "alone time", you will not have access to a hot tub. And unless you also purchas
- Address: Disney Cruise Line sails from Port Canaveral, Florida and periodically from Los Angeles, California.
- Disney Cruise Line Phone: 800-951-3532
- Vista Spa & Salon Prices: $109 for a massage or facial. Reservations strongly recommended the first day you board.
- Spa Amenities: Rainforest room ($15/day or $75/week) has steam, sauna, heated rockbeds, work out club. Adult pool free.
- Rates: Three, five, and seven-day cruises start at $349 - $799 (per person, dbl. occ.)
- Website:Disney Cruise Line
Disney boasts wall-to-wall entertainment (vs. a destination) cruise, which makes choosing among the vast array of activities a challenge -- spectacular dinners, outstanding live shows, meet-and-greets with Disney characters, private islands, and can't-miss pirate parties.
Even if you're a full blown Disney lover (I converted mid-voyage), the onslaught of all things Mickey, princesses and pirates can start messing with your mind.
When I finally made it to the spa, there was not a kid in sight. I booked an "alone time" sessions in a secluded suite ($175-$200/two hours). I was guided to a spacious deck with a lounge, a large hot tub and a little thing called the view.
It began with a relaxing foot rub and time alone in the hot tub An interesting tea service with fruit kabobs followed. (Champagne and strawberries can be requested.) As part of the treatment, I chose a facial that included an excellent arm, neck and partial back rub (although I did wish my therapist talked less).
Disney's Rainforest includes scented and unscented steam rooms, rockbeds and showers with multiple spray settings. Normally I would love everything here, but there were men in the steam room, men a few feet away from me while I shampooed in the shower, men chatting me up as we sat on the wonderful rockbeds. But, hey, this is a cruise spa and Disney is short on square footage.
Afterwards I floated back to my cabin to dress for dinner, guessing how Cinderella must have felt on her special night. Only a little more pruney.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation and treatments for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
