Unlock a world of Disney magic with the line’s latest ship launch
Bouncing up and down with excitement, I await my grand entrance on Disney’s new cruise ship, Disney Treasure, ready to unleash my inner five-year-old on this inaugural sailing from Florida’s Port Canaveral.
“Welcome, Flora!” a crew member blares over the microphone and, as I float into the Aladdin-inspired lobby, I begin dancing as if nobody is watching.
Unfortunately, they all are.
Nonetheless, I twirl away on the plush carpet while the crew applaud as if I am the star of a Broadway show. In two seconds flat, I transform from a fifty-something to a giddy child – because Disney has the magical power to turn adults into goofy kids.
Disney Treasure facilities
With a few hours to kill before my stateroom was ready, I set off to explore this 4,000-passenger, 15-deck floating treasure chest, which marks the sixth addition to the fleet and is a sister ship to Disney Wish.
My first stop was the adult-only area, which is home to a whirlpool bath, pool, bar and Senses Spa with a rainforest thermal suite. I briefly considered a workout in the state-of-the-art gym but decided that 30,000 steps a day around the ship was enough exercise, so booked a massage for my last day instead.
Next up was the ship’s ‘water coaster’, AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg. I slipped into my swimming gear, still channelling my five-year-old self, and whooshed through 230 metres of winding tubes, propelled by powerful water jets. I zoomed past animated shorts featuring Mickey and Minnie, watching the world whizz past through clear tubes wrapped around the outside of the ship.
Dining aboard Disney Treasure
My aquatic adventure worked up quite an appetite, so it’s a good thing that the dining options are almost endless. From grabbing a quick bite at Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods to building a plate at the Marceline Market buffet, I felt like a food critic on a mission.
But the real stars of the show are Disney Treasure’s innovative dining experiences. At Worlds of Marvel, guests will join Guardians of the Galaxy character Groot on a quest to throw a surprise party for Rocket — yes, you eat while pretending you are part of Marvel’s next blockbuster. Trivia and a soundtrack straight from the 1970s and 1980s complete the experience.
Next is Plaza de Coco, a vibrant dive into Santa Cecilia where a live show based on the film Coco is accompanied by mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. If you prefer a more intimate family experience, 1923 restaurant is your jam, but for parents keen on a night away from the kids, recommend the Palo Steakhouse. It costs extra, but there’s nothing like dining in peace while savouring a delicious steak.
Entertainment on Disney Treasure
While Disney Treasure’s adult-only areas are a real sales opportunity for grown-up fans, there’s plenty to keep families amused too.
Kids can explore the Oceaneer Club, where they are supervised by club counsellors. It’s home to Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck, Marvel Super Hero Academy and Fairytale Hall. Youngsters can spend their days designing their very own rollercoaster or training to be a super hero.
Unfortunately, I’d outgrown this magical world, as it’s meant for adventurers between the ages of three and 12.
The ship features a range of watering holes. One of my favourites was the Haunted Mansion Parlor – based on the popular park attraction and film, it’s a first for the cruise line. The bar offers ghostly cocktails with names such as The Chilling Challenge and Happily Ever After.
I was also rather partial to the stylish Scat Cat Lounge, inspired by the 1970s animated film The Aristocats. The venue showcases a jazz pianist and serves drinks in elegant Turkish teacups.
And I can’t forget the Periscope Pub, themed after the Disney classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The decor makes passengers feel as if they are inside a submarine, while enjoying drinks designed for sailors, rather than for seabed explorers.
Staterooms on Disney Treasure
The final instalment of my sea adventure was The Tale of Moana at the ship’s theatre, making me one of the first people to see this amazing Broadway-style production at sea. I got lost in the story on so many occasions, most notably when the spectacular and imposing Te Kā puppet moved across the stage and transformed into goddess Te Fiti right before my eyes, leaving the entire audience in awe.
The show is an emotional rollercoaster, bringing tears of both sadness and joy. I sang along to the familiar show tunes and, at the end, jumped to my feet, clapping and cheering.
When I eventually got back to my Aladdin-themed stateroom, I found it to be incredibly spacious, boasting a bath and shower with separate toilet, ample wardrobe space and a sweet little balcony with two comfy chairs. One of the best parts? Everything was easy to use, including labels on the switches so there was no chance of accidentally turning off the lights while trying to draw the blinds!
With the curtains closed and the lights dimmed, I realised that the greatest treasure I found on this voyage wasn’t gold or jewels – it was the laughter and memories crafted from every whimsical adventure on board this magical ship.
Book it
A seven-night sailing on Disney Treasure starts at £1,891 cruise-only, departing from Port Canaveral on September 20, calling at Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Disney’s Castaway Cay. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a Standard Inside Stateroom on a full-board basis, including taxes, fees and port charges.
disneytravelagents.co.uk
PICTURE: Disney Cruise Line/Matt Stroshane; Disney Cruise Line; Kent Phillips; Matt Stroshane
