Hudson  

Age: 31 to 40
Occupation: Asst. st. attorney
Number of Cruises: 2nd Cruise
Ship: Disney Magic
Sailing Date: September 16th, 2000
Itinerary: 7 day to St. Maarten, St. Thomas & Castaway Cay

Before leaving, I looked for a review on the 7 day and couldn't find one, So here it is......  We just got back yesterday from a great time on the Disney Magic.  Let me disspell some complaints in former reviews to begin with.  The food was very good!  Not 5 star, but definitely a nice selection, and very tasty.  Some dishes are better than others.  Always listen to your waiter--they know what is good and we were always pleased when we took his advice.  Also, if you don't like it, send it back and order something else.  It's as simple as that.  The food in the sit-down restaurants is better than the buffets, and there is always a table-service restaurant open for every meal.  The service was EXCELLENT as well!  I think people expect perfection, forgetting that these are people themselves.  If there was ever a problem, it was taken care of immediately if mentioned.  The staterooms are beautiful, and ours was exceptionally clean.  We had a family suite 8008 with a balcony which was worth every penny, but the inside rooms were beautiful too.  We had a 6 year old with us, and she thoroughly enjoyed the kids program which couldn't have been run better.  HINT:  They give away goodies to the kids after certain activities that they don't want to miss out on.  1)Goofy's giggle gala (pajama party) they give them pillows with cases with a picture of Goofy on them to color which say "Disney Cruise Line" to take home!  Great keepsake.  2)The last day at sea, the kids put on a show for the parents. If they attend the rehearsal and show they get a free T_shirt.  3)The third to last night, they get a lunch bag and water bottle  4)The second to last night they get a pin and flubber to take home.  5)THroughout the cruise, they give out trading cards to the kids.  THis is marked with a card symbol on the personal navigator each day.  Go to each spot and collect them from the beginning.  Most kids didn't catch on to this till the middle of the cruise, and they will only give them out at the designated time and place.  The kids had a fun time trading them at dinner the last night and trying to get any they had missed.  It turned out to be a lot of fun.

MORE HINTS:   If you plan on snorkeling, and have your own equipment, bring it.  When you have to rent it, it is $25/person.  The formal nights were very formal on our cruise.  Lots of tuxes and long dresses (dark suit is fine for men too).  Don't bother bringing bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.  You are kept well stocked with it.  You never need beach towels, as they are provided even when you go off the boat.  Don't rent any floats, or bikes on the ship for Castaway Cay.  They are readily available and you may or may not find that you want them or need them.  If you reserve them in advance, you pay whether or not you use them and there was no shortage.

DISAPPOINTMENTS:   The ESPN skybox was a neat place, but didn't play any olympics, pro or college football.  It seemed a waste to just show polo or sports that most don't follow.  The pools were too small for the number of kids on board especially but they always seemed to have fun anyway.  The adult pool was never crowded.  The fitness area was not nearly large enough.  The paying areas for facials, massages, etc. were very spacious, and the free areas were way too crowded.  it is very obvious where the priorities are here. They need to make St. Maarten a short day and St. Thomas or Castaway longer.  

I have saved all my personal navigators (schedules for each day) spa sheets with services and charges, kids area schedules, etc.  So if anyone has any questions , please feel free to contact me.  You'll have a great time! Bon Voyage!

Ask a Question About Disney Cruises