10 Best Cruises for Families
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder
Where They Cruise: Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama.
Kids Will Love: Everything Disney—characters, shows, movies.
It is no surprise that these 1,760-passenger ships pull out all the stops, with nearly an entire deck dedicated to kids’ programming. Activities—including a Goofy Detective School for young CSI’s and cultural offerings based on the ports, such as Mexican cooking lessons in Mexico—are available for age-specific groups (3-4, 5-7, 8-9, 10-12, and teens; the latter are even given their own clubhouse on top of the ship). A nursery cares for babies from three months. More than on any other line, nighttime shows, such as the new Toy Story – The Musical, on the Disney Wonder, are family oriented. Contests and other participatory events encourage family togetherness. Disney character spottings are frequent.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the movie showings; these ships run the same Disney movies playing in theaters, making a family night onboard a much easier—and more affordable—prospect than going to the local multiplex.
Deal: Weeklong Mexican Riviera on Disney Magic, from $1,640, May-August; four-night Bahamas on Disney Wonder, year-round, from $1,274.
