It’s Disney Cruise Line’s 25th anniversary and we were lucky enough to sail on their newest ship!
The Wish is the fifth ship to join the Disney at sea line up, and it doesn’t disappoint. At 1,119ft, it’s the largest in the Disney fleet with three and four-night itineraries to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida – only an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World Resort. Like all Disney Cruise Line ships, the exterior of the Disney Wish is inspired by classic ocean liners and decked out in the emblematic colours of Mickey Mouse with a huge Rapunzel at the stern of the ship.
Why sail?
Disney fans will be in their element with the magical storytelling, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea – AquaMouse – immersive dining experiences themed to Frozen and Marvel, and a high-end lounge set in the Star Wars galaxy. Guests will enter the ship via the fairy-tale castle-inspired Grand Hall and a royal greeting awaits families as they arrive for the first time. Every child receives their own wishing wand upon embarkation, which they use to make the “First Wish” of their holiday during a special boarding celebration.
What to do
There is so much to see and do onboard, you won’t know where to start! AquaMouse is a 760ft-long water coaster, which blasts you out into a water tunnel suspended above the upper deck. You even get to race through the front funnel on a rubber dinghy! Plus, there’s an adults-only infinity pool – a great spot for watching the sun set – and we also enjoyed a coffee in the Quiet Cove bar at the back of the ship. The Senses Spa is a great place to unwind and spend a few hours too.You’ll be amazed by evening entertainment in the Walt Disney theatre, with a different Broadway style show every night. Disney Seas The Adventure features Captain Minnie Mouse and her crew, while the Aladdin and The Little Mermaid shows are just as magical and even brought tears to our eyes.
Out on deck is a huge screen showing Disney films and this was also the setting for Pirate Night with a rock ’n’ roll-style band and a firework spectacle using fish-friendly special biodegradable fireworks.
The children’s clubs are probably the best the kids will have ever experienced. They are split into age levels – from It’s A Small World nursery from six months, The Oceaneer Club for three years upwards, The Edge Club for 11 years upwards and The Vibe teen hangout for 14 to 17-year-olds.
Food glorious food
It’s easy to say you won’t go hungry on a Disney Cruise. There are amazing bars and restaurants everywhere – some are casual buffet style, while others are adult only specialty dining, including Enchante, Palo Steakhouse and the Rose Bar.
Disney operates “rotational” dining so that you move between the three main restaurants but keep the same waiting staff, which works well because the waiters really get to know you and it makes it feel that little bit extra special. Our first dinner was at Arendelle, a Frozen dining experience with a sing-a-long show and a visit from Kristoff and Queen Anna at our table. Our second dinner was at the elegant 1923, named after the year Walt Disney started the company. Our last evening was spent in the World of Marvel restaurant, which is exclusive to the Wish. This fun eaterie offers interactive Avengers footage and, if you’re lucky enough, you may get a visit from the Avengers at your table.
Probably our favourite bar on the ship is the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge. As you enter, you cannot miss the huge window- type screen behind the bar – we enjoyed a smoking cocktail here while watching the intergalactic scenes fly past us!
The cabins
We stayed in a balcony cabin, which featured a split bathroom and was themed around The Princess And The Frog, with secret bunk beds making it ideal for a family. One of the two iconic red funnels is home to a first-of-its-kind, two-story suite. It’s nearly 2,000 square feet with incredible double-height ocean views and can accommodate eight people. It has its own private lift and its own sun deck. One to book if and when you win the lottery!
Private island
Each cruise stops at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Here you will get the chance to snorkel in the clear turquoise water, laze in a hammock and enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch with a cocktail or two. There is a family beach area with lots to do or the adults-only beach area, which offers the most beautiful cabanas available for hire. Our favourite activity on the island was to hire a bike, which you can rent by the hour and enjoy a 5K cycle around the island.
Need to know
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Book with Walt Disney Travel Company International and enjoy three nights on the Disney Wish from £1,431 per person, calling at Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay and departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. For more information or to book, please call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0742 or visit Disneyholidays.co.uk
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Prices are per person based on two adults and two children (aged 3-12) travelling and sharing a Standard Inside Stateroom on a full-board basis. Includes taxes, fees and port charges of approximately £83 per person. Based on cruise departure date of 27 October 2023 and includes direct return flights from London Heathrow to Orlando International, one night’s stay at the Hyatt MCO prior to cruise departure, all transfers between the airport and the port and all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.
Words: Carly Honeyfield. Photos: Disney