This page has been designed specifically for the printed screen. It may look different than the page you were viewing on the web.
Please recycle it when you're done reading.

The URI for this page is { http://www.castawaves.com }

Top 10 things to do on a Disney CruisePosted December 13th

Our friends over at Disney Top 10 have written a great article on the top 10 things to do on a Disney Cruise. One of our favorites: #4: Watch fireworks on deck - Disney is the only cruise line in the world which presents a fireworks show launched right from the deck of the ship. Usually presented during the “Pirates in the Caribbean” party, the fireworks are spectacular because they are so close. The fireworks on board are just fantastic, different from any other fireworks you have ever seen. They are close to the ship, and it is so dark outside, Disney turns off all exterior lights during the show, that you can see them explode right in front of your face. Check out the other in the top 10, they have some great suggestions. Tagged as Disney Cruise Tips | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise offers two new Eastern Caribbean Itineraries for 2009Posted December 4th

Disney Cruise Line announced two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 – giving you more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. Beginning in 2009, St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven-night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary. Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven-night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries. (Disney’s traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue). "Our guests continue to tell us that the Caribbean is a favorite destination for them," said Tom McAlpin, President of Disney Cruise Line. "Expanding our offerings in the eastern Caribbean provides our first-time cruisers an array of popular destinations to choose from, while also providing seasoned Disney cruisers new destinations to visit and explore with Disney." Disney Cruise Line Guests have always enjoyed the beautiful turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches of the eastern Caribbean and, on select voyages throughout the 2009 season, Guests will be able to explore either St. Croix or Tortola. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wonderful mix of colonial-style architecture, natural wonders, quaint shops and spectacular marine habitats. Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, features centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens, sugar mills, sensational bays and beaches. The new eastern Caribbean itineraries will stop at St. Croix or Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer its current version of the eastern Caribbean cruise with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. The traditional eastern Caribbean voyages will sail in-between the special sailings to St. Croix or Tortola.  This is great news, as St. Martin is constantly the one port that is constantly critiqued, and personally, will  not be missed. Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise to offer informational podcastsPosted November 27th

In a cruise industry first, Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to Disney Cruise guests through podcasts that offer a new way to get customized information about family-friendly Disney cruise vacations. Hosted by family travel expert Emily Kaufman, the podcast episodes showcase the unique experiences Disney offers on a cruise vacation, providing guests in-depth, portable information on specific areas of Disney Cruise Line. In each episode, Kaufman, also known as The Travel Mom, offers tips for parents looking to take a cruise vacation. "The podcasts immerse guests in the Disney Cruise Line experience, bringing to life the way we cater to the specific needs of kids, adults, and the entire family," said Joe Rand, Director of Marketing for Disney Cruise Line. "Each episode is three to five minutes long, making it easy for on-the-go parents to learn more about specific areas of the Disney cruise vacation experience." Emily Kaufman narrates the podcasts with expert advice for not only a Disney Cruise, but also for family vacations in general. Her expertise in family travel makes her a great fit for the official Disney Cruise Line podcast. "I'm extremely pleased to partner with Disney Cruise Line on this podcast series and hope parents considering a cruise vacation find them to be a valuable resource," explained Kaufman. "As the mother of two, I truly believe that Disney Cruise Line is a great getaway for families. I have taken both my teenagers and my toddler nieces on a Disney Cruise, and have seen first hand that they offer something for every age." Interested guests can find all of the videos on disneycruise.com. In addition to watching episodes on the website or downloading them directly to their computer or video iPod, guests also have the ability to share episodes with friends and family via email. Tagged as Disney Cruise Tips | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise announces onboard airline check inPosted November 18th

Disney Cruise announced today that they will start onboard check in for flights for certain guests. This is a great service that I have used quite a few times at Walt Disney World with the Magical Express, and being able to check in onboard your cruise will make the trip back to the airport just a bit less stressful. Disney Cruise Line strives to offer guests a hassle-free vacation experience by providing extra services, such as Disney's Magical Express, that help eliminate some of the stresses of family travel. And beginning this fall, select guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will find their vacation experience has been made even easier with the introduction of Onboard Airline Check-In. This new service will allow qualified guests to check-in for their post-cruise flights while on board the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, eliminating the need to do so at Orlando International Airport. Guests participating in Onboard Airline Check-In will enjoy the ease and convenience of not having to collect their luggage upon debarkation--checked luggage will be transported directly from the ship to the guest's flight. While on their cruise, guests' boarding passes will be delivered to their staterooms the day prior to disembarkation. Upon the ship's return to Port Canaveral, participating guests can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando International Airport where they bypass check-in and continue straight to airport security and on to their assigned departure gate. In order to take advantage of this service, guests will need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of the seven participating air carriers: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, or United Airlines/Ted. Eligible guests will be able to enroll for Onboard Airline Check-in by completing pre-registration information received at Orlando International Airport or ... Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise receives top honor from Conde NastPosted November 7th

Disney Cruise Line was recently recognized as the No. 3 cruise experience at the 20th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Conde Nast Traveler magazine in New York City. Up against some of the most distinguished lines in the cruise industry, the family-focused cruise experience rounded out the top three in the "Large Cruise Ship" category just behind Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas, who placed No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Disney Cruise Line has received nearly 50 distinguished awards and recognitions from the travel industry since first setting sail in 1998. These awards have included allaspects of the operation from dining and entertainment, to youth activities and spa facilities. Just this year, Disney Cruise Line earned several additional top honors including: • Conde Nast Traveler – Rated the Disney Magic® and the Disney Wonder® in the top 10 of the “Top 80 Cruise Ships in the World” and named Disney Cruise Line on their “Gold List”, which recognizes the top 10 in overall best experience. • Conde Nast Traveler – Ranked the Vista Spa and Salon as the #3 cruise line spa. • Porthole Cruise – Awarded Disney Cruise Line with a Readers’ Choice Award. • TravelAge West – Recognized Disney Cruise Line with two Editor’s Pick WAVE awards for best overall spa facility and best onboard entertainment. •AAA – Awarded Disney Cruise Line with the “Preferred Partner of the Year” designation for surpassing excellence in providing products and services to AAA and its membership. •Travel + Leisure - Ranked Disney Cruise Line No. 4 in the “Large-Ship” cruise line category. Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise adds cellular phone service on boardPosted September 3rd

Disney Cruise has announced that it is now possible to use your cell phone while on board a Disney Cruise, no matter where the ship is located. The service is operated by Wireless Maratime Service, who provides cell service on most cruise ships around the world.
Guests who choose to use the network will be billed by their cell phone provider and rates will vary according to the carrier's plan. The ship's network will be enabled, while the ship is at sea, allowing guests to make and receive phone calls as well as utilize text messaging, email and other cellular services. While in port, the network will be disabled, allowing guests the ability to access local cell phone providers.
Guests have always been able to use their stateroom phones to call to shore, though the price has been quite expensive, around $10 per minute. I checked a few carriers, their prices seem to differ quite a bit: T-mobile: $4.99 per minute ATT: $2.49 per minute Verizon: $2.49 per minute AllTel: $2.49 per minute The prices seem to be reasonable, compared to the cost of the previous options. Please note many of the carriers will also charge you a toll free on top of the per minute charge, so please check with your carrier before you leave home. Text messages and internet services are also available, though not included in the per minute cost. The last few Disney Cruises I have done, I have taken my Skype phone with me on board, and used it in the Internet lounge or on my laptop. The per minute cost is low (about $.02 per minute), and the quality is good. It works well for having to call into work or to call family at home. It is difficult for someone to get a hold of me in case of ... Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Dining plan now an option on land/sea packagesPosted August 14th

Three years into the Disney Dining plan, the Disney Cruise line finally gets on board with the popular Walt Disney World dining plan. Starting right now, the Disney Dining plan is now available as an option on the land portion of all 2008 Disney Cruise land/sea packages. Pricing and amenities are the same as if you were to add it to a Magic Your Way package (one Counter service meal, one Table service meal and one snack per person per night of your stay). The cost is $37.99 for adults ten and older, and $9.99 per child three through ten. More information about the Disney Dining plan can be found here: Disney Dining plan Make sure you look at the 2008 information, as the inclusions and pricing have changes since 2007. If you have never done the Disney Dining plan, it is a great money saver and very convenient for your stay at WDW, and a great way to warm up for the non-stop eating aboard the Disney Cruise. Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise GratuitiesPosted July 29th

When booking your Disney Cruise, many things are included in the price. All of your food and non-alcoholic drinks, all the kids club activities, and all adult activities and shows are included. The items not included are usually outlined by your travel agent of Disney Cruise. Airfare, airport transfers and trip insurance are usually not included, but are an options that are given you with prices, you can take them or leave them, depending on your plans. One item that is rarely included, and even less understood is gratuities. On board the ship, there are several people you will become very familiar with, your stateroom steward and your waiter and assistant waiter. Your stateroom steward will take care of your room night and day, he makes sure you have everything you need and that your stateroom is put back together each day. Your waiter and assistant waiter follow you around to each new restaurant each night, and you will get to know them quickly. For these people, as well as the head waiter, much of their salary is based on gratuities from you. The night before you debark the ship, your steward will place a sheet and a few envelopes in your room with suggested tip amounts for the four people who have served you while on the cruise. The easiest way to pay the gratuities is to go to the guest services desk in the lobby of the ship, and have the gratuities amounts added to your room bill. They will then give you vouchers to put in the envelopes to give to the cast members. You can alternatively put cash in the envelopes. If your service has been great, feel free to add a bit in there. One thing I have done in the past, if the service has ... Tagged as Disney Cruise Tips | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Magic arrives in MediterraneanPosted June 9th

Disney Magic in BarcelonaThousands of colorful fireworks filled the nighttime sky over Barcelona this evening as, for the first time, the Disney Magic cruise ship approached the Spanish port city nestled along the Mediterranean coast, signaling Disney Cruise Line's first-ever foray into the European cruise market. In grand Spanish style, the 2,700-passenger ship was greeted by a fireworks spectacular totaling nearly 2,200-shells upon arrival to the Port of Barcelona. The Port of Barcelona will serve as homeport for the Disney Magic this summer as it embarks on brand new 10- and 11-night itineraries in the Mediterranean. These cruises provide families with a unique and hassle-free way to explore world-famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Naples, Cannes and Barcelona. “This is a special way to launch our unique Mediterranean cruises," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "Our guests have told us they want to explore different parts of the world with Disney Cruise Line, and we're delighted to provide them with an authentic European experience combined with a fun, family-friendly cruise only Disney can deliver." Continuing to offer a diverse array of itineraries, for the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line will reposition the Disney Magic to the West Coast for seven-night cruise vacations to the Mexican Riviera. Beginning May 25, 2008, the Disney Magic will sail 12-consecutive cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The celebratory fireworks show in Barcelona was choreographed to music that played upon Disney's rich musical history and celebrated the European destinations the Disney Magic will visit this summer. Thousands of local residents gathered along the Barcelona shoreline to catch a glimpse of the Disney Magic and join the festivities. A chorus of cheers filled the ship's decks when the show paid tribute to the newly released ... Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow

Disney Cruise Line to build 2 new shipsPosted June 9th

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations. The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date. "Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us." Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand. "Focusing on families has been smart business for us," ... Tagged as Disney Cruise News | No Comments » | Continue linkarrow