My First Disney Cruise (2023)
Why a Disney Cruise?
The Disney Magic launchd Disney Cruise Lines in 1998 and was the first ship we sailed on in 2023. After debating what kind of vacation to take with a then 5 year old, and already been to the parks the year before, we saw a Youtube video about Disney Cruises. Dad had never been on a cruise before and it had been decades since Mom’s last cruise, but a self contained trip without having to worry about food, lodging, or entertainment sounded like a good option. Especially coming out of the Pandemic with limited travel options in the prior years.
Fortunately my school has many long weekends and in 2023’s the first was in late September. Since this was “off season” the cruise was a little bit cheaper and it was a Halloween at Sea cruise, my favorite holiday when I was in Kindergarten.
Why a 3-Night Cruise?
We had never been on a cruise before so we wanted to take a short cruise. Just in case we got sea sick. On our last cruise we saw a boy pale green on deck not having a fun time. And that was on day two of a seven night cruise. This is why we chose a short cruise even though it may have been too short. If you have never been on a cruise ship before choosing a shorter cruise the first time is a good idea.
Day 1 - Embarkation Day
We arrived late the night before into Miami International Airport and stayed at the Miami Downtown Hilton. It was an early morning where we ate breakfast and took a Lyft to the Cruise Port. Once inside the terminal we managed to get through security, get me my first Magic Band for the kids club (I had to give that one back at the end of the cruise) and went to the waiting area. I quickly made friends with a little boy who was 4 and it was his first cruise too!
We waited and waited and finally our boarding group was called. So we walked the gangway (that is a funny word) to get onboard the ship. They announce your family name as you walk onboard where we were greeted by Captain Mickey himself! We took a few pictures in front of the statue but it was noon and I was hungry. So after asking about how we got our room keys, and finding out they would be at our rooms, we headed up to the pool deck and ate lunch.
I had a hotdog and French Fries. Dad had something called shawarma and Mom found a chicken salad sandwich. We did not pack my swimsuit in our carry on bags so I could not go swimming and it was not time to go to our room yet. So we decided to go look at the Kid’s Club.
It was amazing! They have Andy’s Room from Toy Story with a huge slide! I love slides! They had a comic book area, a reading area with Tinker Bell, and a huge Dance floor in the middle. That was just one of the two kids areas.
Nextdoor was the Oceaneer Lab that had a game where you could steer the ship into dock, play video games with other kids, and lots of benches for arts and crafts. I did some art and crafts, but I spent most of my time in the Kids Club and going down the slide! I enjoyed the kids club and did not want to leave, but it was time to go to our cabin where a cupcake awaited! We unpacked and had to attend the mustard drill (parent edit: muster) in case the was an emergency. But the ship did not sink. Not on our cruise. That is a good thing.
After the drill there was the Sail Away Party and our luggage had arrived so I was able to go swimming after the party!
After swimming we got dressed for dinner but went to a stage show, my first one. But they don’t let you take pictures of the show. Then it was off to dinner! On Disney Cruise ships they have rotational dining where you go to a different restaurant each night with the same waiters. I was dressed up in my fancy dress and we went to Animator’s Pallet. Unfortunately though the show was not working that night, but Mickey still came out to say hi! The food was yummy. I had cheese pizza!
We were tired. It had been a long fun day. But there was a surprise waiting for us on our bed!
A bunny with Chocolates wearing my Dad’s sunglasses!
Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas
Dad got up early for some reason. He never does that at home!
Since this was a short cruise we decided to stay on board the ship. We had a feeling if we liked cruising we would be back to Nassau many times so we wanted to explore the ship. The Disney Fantasy was parked next to us in the port. It was such a big ship. We would have to go on it sometime! During the day Mom and I went to the kids club open house. Dad went to the rainforest room and Cove cafe to get coffee. He is always getting coffee. I got to meet princesses in the grand hall.
That night we went to the theater again and saw the main show: Tangled! Then we ate dinner at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. I had cheese pizza again, but after my Mickey Bar I got to lead the dance with Rapunzel: my favorite princess! Alsoly it was Pirate Night! Not only was it Pirate Night it was also Trick or Treating. I wore my Pirate Witch Costume. My Mom’s Mickey ears matched it perfectly! After that busy day I was tired.
Day 3 - Castaway Cay
After such a long and exciting day it was nice to get off the ship to the beach! We did not bring a lot of beach toys so Mom bought me a bucket. She says if you plan to buy the buckets bring a marker to put your name on it so you know which one is yours! I built sand castles on the beach, went to the kids splash pad, and we even took a paddle boat into the bay! We ate lunch on the Island where I had corn on the cob and another hot dog. My Parents had the chicken and salmon, which they said was some of the best buffet chicken they ever had.
Soon the day was over and we were back on ship for our final night. First we went and saw the play Disney Dream’s about girl having to grow up. I hope I never have to grow up like Peter Pan! We ate at Lumiere’s Place from Beuty and the Beast so I had to wear my fancy Belle dress! Then after dinner there was the Till we Meet Again party where I got to see my Favorite Princesses include Rapunzel and Belle!
Day 4 - Disembarkation Day
We had to get up very early for breakfast. I was very sad that this was the end of our cruise. I had so much fun! Lumiere’s opened and we had napkins folded like shirts on the plates. We ordered breakfast from the menu, ate, and then walked off the ship. We collected our luggage and took a taxi to the airport. It was a long time to get home and I slept on the plane all the way home.
