June 19-23 found Scott, Emily and Isabelle Sanders (the Disney Cruise Line Blog family), a group of Disney cruise enthusiasts and blog followers, and three Storybook Destinations agents on the gorgeous Disney Dream for the inaugural Disney Cruise Line Blog Cruise (DCLBC)! This was one amazing trip – two stops at Castaway Cay, perfect weather and a load of activities that gave us all an opportunity to get to know the Sanders family, ask them loads of questions about their cruise experiences and make new friends!
Champagne tasting anyone? Yes! Even before the muster drill, several DCLBC guests found themselves at Pink Champagne Bar with a French sommelier, four different champagnes to taste and a class that we will not soon forget. FYI, this is the perfect way to kick off a cruise!
Our first day at Castaway Cay was bliss – fantastic weather and three cabanas to enjoy for the day! After Scott and several guests ran the Castaway Cay 5K (kudos!), this was the perfect way to relax – shelter from the sun, a stocked refrigerator, complimentary sunscreen, comfortable furniture, hammocks, a private beach and a cast member who is only a call away to bring cool drinks. One guest said Castaway Cay would never be the same! And to just keep the good times going, several guests enjoyed an amazing dinner at Palo! This adults-only Italian restaurant boasts inlaid wood paneling, a backlit bar, gorgeous paintings and a breathtaking view of the ocean plus an impressive wine list, Italian-inspired cocktails and a dinner menu that will take your breath away! (Important note: order anything you want for dinner but save room for the souffle!)
Day two at Nassau was the perfect day to meet for a live podcast recording! It was so fun to listen as Scott, Emily and Isabelle answered a list of questions ranging from “What is your dream itinerary?” to “What do you think the new ships will be named?” and everything in between! You can check out this very podcast here. After the podcast, Isabelle had a scavenger hunt planned for all who were up for the challenge and then Nassau day led into Pirate Night (if you’ve ever cruised with Disney, you’ll know how much fun this is)! Loads of guests and characters dressed in their finest pirate gear, and the dinner menu was pirate themed as well (you can check out the menu on Scott’s blog here). Then the perfect end to a perfect day – a pirate party on deck and fireworks over the water!
Day three we were back at Castaway Cay! Several guests chose to go back to the island while others enjoyed brunch at Palo (a very different experience than dinner…and equally delicious!) and a relaxing day on the ship (literally something for everyone). Before dinner we were treated to a Sea You Real Soon reception at Outlook that included fun drinks, delicious desserts, time with the Sanders family and a visit from Donald Duck, who was happy to take photos in his nautical attire!
This cruise had so many opportunities to relax and enjoy all the Disney Dream has to offer. We all dined together each evening, taking advantage of Disney’s rotational dining and their fantastic wait staff (that literally follows you to each restaurant). Several of our guests played Trivia each night and enjoyed the evening productions that only Disney can dream up (“Beauty and the Beast” had people weeping!). Oh! Did we mention the premiere of “Toy Story 4”? Yes! On the ship! Plus Disney very kindly showed a whole Toy Story marathon, just to catch everyone up. Pool time was enjoyed, fabulous swag was gifted, Vanellope’s was visited, friendships were formed, the Sanders family was so much fun and a great time was had by all.
Didn’t get to join us this time? We have great news! The second Disney Cruise Line Blog Cruise is just around the corner and we’d love to have you! February 20-24, 2020 the Disney Magic will be cruising from beautiful Miami with the Sanders family, a fun itinerary and, hopefully, YOU! Read all about it here and contact us today to secure your spot!
