Disney Annouces More Features for the Dream

Disney announced some new features for the new Disney Dream today. Who wouldn't want to play mini-golf with Goofy? I know I do. The course will boast some interested twists and turns. Disney also mentions some of the Adult Only Pool area...ahh, the sweet sound of the ocean and only the ocean! To read all about the fabulous features, click here.

2011 can't come fast enough! Will you be sailing on the Disney Dream? If so, when? You can join us on 12/11/11!!! If you want info on sailing with us, call or email me!

Royal Caribbean / Haiti Controversy

As you may have seen over the past few days, Royal Caribbean International has been getting a lot of bad press regarding their decision to return to Haiti only days after the earthquake. Royal Caribbean stands by their decision to return to the island in order to bring much needed supplies as well as help rebuild the economic activity on the island. Other cruise lines such as MSC Cruises have supported the decision.

Most of the islands that are visited by the cruise lines are poor countries that depend on the tourism to survive. If Royal Caribbean were to stay away from Haiti, the Haitian workers on that side of the island (Labadee) would not earn money. I also understand that any food that is prepared for the vacationing cruisers while on Labadee that is left over is given to the Haitians working the island. This is a huge advantage to Royal Caribbean continuing service to the island.

I believe that Royal Caribbean made a hard decision and one that is right. If you have any comments regarding the situation, please post here.

Cruise Line Private Islands

As you may know, we just got back from our wonderful cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. I cannot say enough about how fantastic the cruise was. For more information on our Disney cruise, you can check out our upcoming Cruise & Country Video.

One of the highlights of the cruise was stopping at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Lines private island. If you are taking a cruise to the Caribbean or the Bahamas, most likely you will stop at the cruise line's private island as one of your ports. They are typically small islands that are owned and operated by the cruise line. The private islands are for the exclusive use of that cruise lines guests.

Most private islands have some of the same amenities such as amazing beaches with beach chairs and umbrellas, hammocks, water sports, barbeque lunch, outdoor bars, etc... The great thing about visiting one of the private islands is that you don't need to bring cash...most things can be charged directly to your cabin card. This makes it so much easier to get off the ship. Castaway Cay is the only private island where the ship will dock directly at the island. The other islands will have tenders take you onto the island.

So, what cruise lines have their own private island and what is there to know about each one? Below you will find a list of the islands. Click on the names to take you to all you ever wanted to know about each one.

• Castaway Cay, Bahamas - Disney Cruise Line
• CoCoCay, Bahamas - Royal Caribbean
• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas - Norwegian Cruise Line
• Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line
• Labadee, Hispaniola - Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cays, Bahamas - Princess Cruises

I hope you enjoy your next cruise to one of these great destinations. If you have been to one already and would like to share your experiences, please do so!

Disney Revamps Kids Programs

Just in...Disney is revamping their revoultionary kids program. Kids will be able to do activities based on their interest and not their age group. This is a first for a cruise line kids program. Click here to read the entire article.