The Mouse Comes to Miami

Disney Cruise Line brings its own brand of magic to the Magic City, as the Dream sets sail on Caribbean voyages

Disney Dream at sea. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/David Roark
Disney Dream at sea. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/David Roark

If you’re craving a little Disney pixie dust (or are in need of a luxe family-friendly getaway), forget heading north on I-95. Starting June 7, Disney Cruise Line brings its own brand of magic to the Magic City, as the Dream begins departures for three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus five-night sailings to the Western Caribbean—all from the Port of Miami. Refurbished in 2015, the Dream boasts the kind of cruise environment that kids (of all ages) crave, with a healthy dose of upgrades to make any vacay a real dream come true, including these must-not-misses. 

Beauty and the Beast. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/Steven Diaz
Beauty and the Beast. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/Steven Diaz

Showtopper at Sea: Let’s face it: Most cruise ship theater is skip-worthy. Not so with the brand-new (and award-winning) Beauty and the Beast stage show now featured onboard the Dream. The production is brimming with beloved songs, moving dance numbers, lavish costumes, a world-class cast, impressive puppetry, and special effects galore. 

Private rental cabana at Castaway Cay. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/Chloe Rice
Private rental cabana at Castaway Cay. Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line/Chloe Rice

Chic Cabanas: Take in Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, in a beachfront cabana. Pro tip: Reserve ahead of time, as these slices of paradise go fast. Perks include transportation via private golf cart; towels, tubes, floats, snorkeling gear, bikes, and beach toys at the ready; a stocked refrigerator (and snacks to boot); endless sunscreen to keep burns at bay; ceiling fans to move that island air; a private freshwater shower when you’ve had enough sand for the day; outlets to recharge your tech while you relax in your own private hammock or chaise lounge; and a cabana steward to cater to any whim Disney hasn’t anticipated.

French praline topped with milk chocolate mousse and dark chocolate glaze at Remy. Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line/Matt Stroshane
French praline topped with milk chocolate mousse and dark chocolate glaze at Remy. Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line/Matt Stroshane

Meals à la Michelin: Sometimes you’ve just got to go adults-only. Send the kids to one of the Dream’s three kids’ clubs and head to Remy. Offering dinner, brunch, dessert experiences, wine pairings, and tasting courses (all by reservation), the French-inspired restaurant (with an elevated nod to the Disney-Pixar film Ratatouille) features fare crafted by chef Scott Hunnel, of Walt Disney World’s award-winning Victoria & Albert’s, and advised by chef Arnaud Lallement, a three-Michelin-starred chef who helms the celebrated l’Assiette Champenoise restaurant outside Reims, France, and was recently named one of the world’s 10 best chefs by Le Chef magazine

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